Dorothy A. Stevens, age 96 Formerly of Helena

Dorothy Ann Buczkowski Stevens passed peacefully on August 17, 2024 with her daughter, Colleen present.

Dorothy, affectionately referred to as Dot, was born to Genevieve and Stanley Buczkowski in Philadelphia, PA. A child of the Depression, she was raised by her mother, a hard-working factory worker. At sixteen, Dorothy went to work as a telephone switchboard operator with her sister Rita to financially help their family.

In 1946, as the sounds of the big bands filled the dance floor, Dorothy met her future husband, Frederick James Stevens. The music inspired Fred’s confident lead, and in no time, Dorothy was smitten. Throughout their courtship and marriage Dorothy and Fred took great joy in dancing together and in their younger years won dance competitions. On July 12th, 1947, Fred married his “dearest Dorothy.” Undoubtedly, Fred’s wife and partner was his greatest treasure. Dorothy embraced a lifelong commitment to her husband and family and during their thirty-five-year marriage, they had five daughters Barbara, Kathy, Colleen, Lisa, and Kim.

Through a twenty-year career with the US Air Force, Fred and Dorothy experienced a life of travel and relocations.  The family was transferred six times, living in Spokane WA, Puerto Rico, Fairfield CA, Miles City MT, Provincetown MA, and Great Falls MT. As a devoted military spouse, Dorothy packed up the household and children, with a sense of adventure. Dorothy made many friends during her travels and relocations, maintaining special lifelong connections.

During the 1970s, Dorothy assisted Fred in building a family cabin in Monarch, MT. When Fred was transferred to become the maintenance supervisor for the Helena Post Office, they built their dream home in the North Hills of Helena with a beautiful view of the Helena valley that they referred to as a “jewelry box” at night. Together they were active members of the newly built Lady of the Valley Catholic Church where they lovingly participated in the planning and construction of the new building. Their Helena experience of many friendships was a beloved time for Dorothy and Fred.

Following Fred’s death in 1982, Dorothy carried on with the tenacity, strength, and resilience she developed as a military spouse. She shared her home with her mother, sister, and various other family members. The time she spent living with her mother and her sister was particularly joyful for Dorothy, traveling to places like Alaska, Australia, and New Zealand, in addition to multiple trips around Montana and the US to visit her daughters and extended family. Later in life, Dorothy sold her home to her daughter Kathy and moved between Montana, Arizona, and Washington to be with her daughters. When her body became frail, she chose to live in Phoenix with her daughter Colleen, where her bones were warmed by the Arizona sun. She benefited from her daughters’ care and love for the rest of her life. Remaining close, all daughters made frequent visits to their dear mother.

Dorothy is remembered by all who knew her for her modest and dignified poise, politeness, family devotion, and delicious food.  You couldn’t be lulled by her sweet demeanor when playing games with her as she is also remembered for her shrewd card playing, Scrabble prowess, and as an arm and leg wrestling champ. She often could get her grandchildren squirming and giggling.  Her playful engagement and loving display to all of us until the very end will be missed beyond words.  We are comforted to know she is with our heavenly family gone before us.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Fred, mother Genevieve, sister Rita, brother Paul, sisters-in-law Rose and LaRue, brothers-in-law Norman and Harry, daughter Barbara, and son-in-law John. Dorothy is survived by her daughters and spouses Kathleen Zeeck of Helena MT, Colleen Ryan of Phoenix AZ, Lisa (Dean) Blomquist of Ryegate MT, and Kimberly (Tom) Drynan of North Bonneville WA. Dorothy leaves 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and many others who consider “Grandma Dot” an important part of their extended family. We are honored to have had her motherly devotion and immeasurably blessed to call her our own.

As was her wish, Dorothy has been cremated.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on March 20, 2025.  A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church.  Interment, along with her beloved Fred, will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. If desired, please provide memorial contributions to the Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

Thursday March 20, 2025

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

1502 Shirley Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Mass

Thursday March 20, 2025

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

1502 Shirley Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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Interment

Following the Reception

Thursday March 20, 2025

Resurrection Cemetery

Helena, Montana 59602

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