Doris Joyce (Snow) Collins Seely was born January 17, 1931 in a little house on Front Street in Anaconda, MT. Her parents were Harold and Violet (Tarkalson) Snow.
She was raised on ACM Ranches, which her father managed during WWII and they soon welcomed a brother, Lee. Doris attended schools in Anaconda and Opportunity, MT and later earned a GED.
A gentle soul, Doris who could fish with her bare hands, coax wild animals close to her or get birds to come sit on her hand. Doris loved camping, fishing and swimming.
Doris married Dennis Collins and they moved to Puerto Rico and Louisiana when Dennis was stationed there during the Korean War. After they returned to Montana, Doris welcomed her daughter, Kathleen.
Doris was a natural mom, even though Kathleen had special needs. Doris was one to have her join in, hauling her up mountains, teaching her to fish and watch nature, and trying every craft that struck their fancy.
Doris and Kathleen moved to Helena where Kathleen attended college, and Doris worked at Galen State Hospital and Warm Springs. Doris was a tireless worker and took great pride in being able to work with all kinds of people.
Doris was gifted in creativity, making patterns and sewing dolls for Christmas presents. She became a Girl Scout leader and active sponsor when Kathleen joined Job’s Daughters. About the time she retired, Doris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She moved back to Helena where she lived with Kathy. They continued to take care of each other until Doris went to live in assisted living. Alzheimer’s is a nasty disease that steals people’s sense of humor and joy, slowly losing all the gifts so well developed through life.
Doris was a joyful person and a great MOM to everybody who needed one. She is proceeded in death by an infant brother, her parents Harold and Violet Snow, her first husband Dennis Collins, and Ray Seely, her second husband.
A visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, May 5th from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue, Helena, MT 59602. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Cemetery, 5001 Crackerville Road, Anaconda, MT 59711. A memorial celebration where we can visit, talk and eat up close will be held after this Corona 19 mess has resolved.
Cindy Rose says
Dear Cathy, So sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a pleasure to greet at the credit union and she was always happy to see me and i was pleased to assist her.
You have my heart felt sympathy.
Lois and Greg Micheletti says
Hello Kathy,
Your mom was one of those people who was always so wonderful to be with because she was authentic and not afraid to be anyone but who she was. She held strongly to her beliefs while making those in her presence feel better about who they are. Her humor and quick wit could diffuse a tense situation and helped us keep our perspectives. We will miss her so much.
Nick Crawford and Connie Vergine says
Dear Kathy, It is with SAD hearts that we learned of your Mom’s passing today. Those who know YOU,
also know how very much she meant to you and vice versa. Despite all of her difficulties in the past few years, she always remembered Nick, and always had a quick quip or one-liner comment for him. Just when we thought she wasn’t listening to the conversation, out came a Doris comment!! She was such a JOY!!
We send our heartfelt condolences and hope that you are doing OK. You have devoted a huge part of your life caring for her, loving her, and sacrificing for her. But, knowing you, it was worth it!! She was blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. God bless you and all the rest of the family. May the angels watch over you day and night, and bring you peace!! Love, Nick, and Connie
David kaste says
David Kaste. Doris and I spent lots of amazing time together. She was a great person. Doris was so nice and sweet . She gave me great advice when I started to say wrong stuff. We will miss and love her forever.
James Maher says
Cathy,
Doris will be greatly missed. It was a high point of my life to have known you both.
Jim Maher
Joy McGrath says
Cathy, our thoughts are with you. We always enjoyed seeing Doris and you when we’d visit Jean. You both were an inspiration to our family and so many others. Stay well. Joy Mike and Kathleen