Doris Mae (Niswanger) Chamberlain, of Helena, passed away peacefully in her home of natural causes on July 9, 2011. Born on February 9, 1928, she was 83 years old. She was the daughter of Mary “Mae” Alice Crouch and George Albert Donaldson. She is survived by her sister, Marion Dacus, of Denton, and had one brother, Duane Donaldson, who preceded her in death.
Doris was a lifelong resident of Montana. She was the Valedictorian of her graduating class at Denton High School, a member of the Denton Chapter of the “Eastern Star,” and worked as a bookkeeper for General Mills in Great Falls for 25 years until her retirement in 1985.
Doris married Robert Niswanger when she was 18 years old. In 1986, Doris moved to Helena after marrying Robert Chamberlain, who preceded her in death in 1992.
Doris was a loving mother to her four sons: Charles D. (Robin) Niswanger of Great Falls, MT; Lonnie B. (Patti) Niswanger of West Linn, OR; Chris A. Niswanger of Missoula, MT; and Larry P. (Trish) Niswanger of Apple Valley, MN. And, she was very proud of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, July 27th, at the Denton Community Cemetery at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon at the Library/Community Center in Denton. All who knew and loved Doris are welcome to attend.
Near and dear to Doris’ heart were her beloved cats. In lieu of flowers, as a way to honor Doris’ memory, the family suggests a donation to the Humane Society, or any charity of your choosing, in her name. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Barb Lindberg says
It is with GREAT LOVE that we remember our friend and neighbor, Doris – she was THE BEST!!! We will always remember her kind ways, her love for her family and love for her kitties! Sending our love to her family- from the Johnson kids: Barb, Eric and John
Jim Hess says
Lonnie and Chuck,
Bonni and I are saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother. I remember her well from the old days. Take care.
Jim
Pennie says
I was so shocked and saddened to hear that Doris had passed.
I work as a cat adoption counselor at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society and had the great pleasure of meeting Doris when she came into the Humane Society this spring searching for her new “great joy”, after losing her beloved Max. Doris chose a beautiful calico tabby named Kalli, Doris took Kalli home to start their new life together but sadly Kalli became very ill. After a valiant effort by our veterinarian an entire team of Humane Society staff and sweet Doris who visited Kalli nearly every day, Kalli decided she had enough and left this world. I got to know Doris well during this journey and will forever remember this sweet, compassionate and enthusiastic woman.
I last spoke to Doris last Friday when she called the Humane Society to make a donation in memory of Max and Kalli, she bubbled with excitement as she told me all about her new kitty that had been brought to her by family “all the way from Oregon, If you can believe that”! She adored her new friend whom I know brought her great joy in her last days. Doris was a great joy to me, I will carry the thought of her with me in my heart, always.
My deepest sypmathies to all who knew and loved Doris especially family, my thoughts are tightly wrapped around you.
A donation by staff who came to know and love Doris will be made to the Humane Society in Doris’s memory.