Dorothy Eileen Mehrens Burgess, 79, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2014 after an extended illness in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family.
Dorothy was born in Anaconda, Montana on August 18, 1935 to Amos and Florence Mehrens. She was the youngest of 10 children – five brothers, Babs (Mernie), Lefty (Mugs), Fidge, Sandy, Leo (Ruth) and 4 sisters, Catherine (Foster) Kelly, Mary (Joe) Piatt, Lorraine (Don) Kelley and Juanita (Jack) Roche. They grew up in a modest home on the west side of Anaconda.
Dorothy graduated from Anaconda Central in 1954 and went to work for Al Murray at the drive in diner. Eventually she was hired at the local phone company where she established herself as a spokesperson for the underdog and gained much respect. In her younger years she was an avid bowler and played a mean game of pinnacle.
She moved to California for a short time but made her way back home to Anaconda. In 1956 she met Henry Burgess – her Irish Prince Charming and it was love at first site. They spent a couple years courting – particularly at the Owl Bar and were eventually married in St. Peters Catholic church on June 28, 1958. Soon after Henry was hired at Carroll College and thus began their long exciting life in Helena. For several years they lived in the Carroll Village where they started their family and developed lifelong friendships. In 1962, with the help of a few good pals, they completed construction on their family home which they shared for over 50 years. In this house she raised 8 rambunctious kids, while babysitting neighborhood children and her grandchildren. Some of her fondest memories were of the time spent at the family cabin on Stemple Pass, which was constructed by the Burgess clan and many friends and extended family; and a few shady characters along the way.
Being the passionate sports fan – she did not miss a chance to attend one of her children’s or grandchildren’s sporting events or listen to a play by play on the radio. Not a week went by where she was not looking to watch a Mariners, Jazz, Bruins or Saint’s game – oh and don’t forget Notre Dame Football while sipping on her favorite beverage.
Dorothy was a Charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and looked forward every year to March 17th where she could celebrate her Irish heritage. She was one of the first chosen to be the Colleen of the Day in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with festivities continuing at Bert and Ernies until all hours of the night.
She looked forward to receiving her daily mail delivery and made sure she watched for the solicitations for Maryknoll, the Sacred Heart and the National Shrine of St. Jude to which she never defaulted on sending her monthly donations.
A capable, tender, loving mother of 8 kids, 24 grandkids, and 14 great-grandkids, Dorothy was the glue that held the family together. As the model homemaker, she prepared three incredible meals a day, (including weekly dinners prepared for many of the Carroll students who were homesick or just needed a little mothering). She kept 10 family members in clean clothes, on-time for school activities and sporting events, and attending mass every Sunday with no excuses. Her greatest dedication was to her family and her Catholic faith. She displayed this by saying the rosary every day, continually praying for close ones and all those in need.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her soul mate Henry Burgess, five brothers, two sisters, her parents, and several nieces and nephews.
Dorothy is survived by her two sisters Juanita (the yin to her yang) and Mary, along with her children and grandchildren – Jean (Dan) Gruber, Theresa (Mike) King, Kathleen (Dirk) Beccari, Mary Kay (Jon) Puckett, Judy (Mark) Schilling, Margie (Tim) Dugan, Tom Burgess, Sarah Volesky, 24 grand children- Patrick (Abby) Gruber, Jennie (Jason) Gruber, Maura (Garth Fleetwood), Ryan (Heather) King, Maggie (Boone) Nelson, Dominic, Sarah, Jimmy Beccari, Shannon, Kyrstin (Cody), Sean Puckett, Danny, Michael, Amanda Schilling, Emily, Anna, Alicia, Connor Dugan, Matt, Erika, Brigett Burgess and Colin, Alex, Thomas Volesky, and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by sister-in-laws Ruth (Tony) Radonich, Evelyn (Bill) Niland, Rita Wilks and her very special nieces and nephews, along with her best friends Mary Altmaier, Phyllis Dooley, and Cathy Caruso.
A special thanks to Father Shea for his continued spiritual guidance and Hospice for their help during this past month.
A Celebration of her life will be held Thursday, September 18th with the Rosary and Vigil service at 6:30 p.m., at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 19th at 12:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of St. Helena with a reception immediately to follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Rite of Committal will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Please send donations to the endowment for the Henry (Hank) Burgess Professorship in English at Carroll College, National Shrine St. Jude or Maryknoll.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Thursday September 18, 2014
Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 19, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
After the Mass
Friday September 19, 2014
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Friday September 19, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Thursday September 18, 2014
Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 19, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
After the Mass
Friday September 19, 2014
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Friday September 19, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Marty and Maureen Kloker says
We are saddened to hearof the passing of your beloved mom. Dorothy was a wonderful, kind woman and we were blessed to have known her. No doubt she is smiling down from above with Hank at her side.
The Garoutte Family says
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
We are so very sad for you and your family. Praying beautiful memories will bring you peace and comfort with time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care, Love, Don, Sue, Zach & Alex
RuthAnne Eckerson says
You are all in our thoughts. I loved your Mom and Dad very much!! Great people and wonderful children. She sure made me laugh. Rest in peace Aunt Dorothy…..I am glad you are back home with Uncle Hank. Much love…RuthAnne (Niland) Eckerson and Mike Eckerson and Kevin Heard.
MaryKaren Wilks Moreno says
I know My Aunt Dorothy is very happy to be with her “best friend” My Uncle Hank. Love to you all..Rest in peace Aunt Dorothy.. MaryKaren & Dan Moreno
Janice Corcoran says
My deepest sympathy, i have often in the past few years thought and remembered Dorothy. She always was so fun and good to everyone she crossed a path with. Soar high, another special angel watching over us all. Watch for those pennies from heaven. .
Glen Cuchine says
Thoughts and prayers going out to the Burgess family. I met Dorothy at Carroll College events over the years and was always impressed by her sense of humor and energy. She will be greatly missed and there are certainly a multitude of happy memories surrounding this remarkable lady.
Billy Byrnes says
Carole, Gina and I offer our sincere condolences to the Burgess family and all who held Dorothy dear to them. Please give Hank a hugg from us, we miss him. Rest in peace Dorothy. Tonight I’ll have a Raineer in your honor.
Lynn Worsech says
My prayers and thoughts are with the whole family. Dorothy was a great lady. She had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. I am so happy that she can be with Hank again.
Sanna Porte says
My heart goes out to the Burgess family. A hard couple of years for you. So very sorry. What a grand lady.
Helen (Rosie) Taffs says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time.
MAry Jo Wells says
Tom ,Sara and family.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time . So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I so enjoyed visiting with her when I would get to Helena. It seemed I would see your mom and dad together at the store. we would have a little chat. What nice people.
Heather Pennington Watets says
Burgess Clan – It sadden me to see that your mom had passed away but I am certain she is sitting next to your dad watching over all of you. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May all the fond memories make this time a little easier for you.
Bob Pennington says
Burgess family – I am verry sorry to hear about Dorthy. She was a wonderful woman and mom to all of us that grew up in the neighborhood! I still think back and laugh at some of the things we did and the way Dorthy would shake her head. She was always there when we needed anything. I hope you take comfort in knowing how much we loved your mom. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
flossie says
Burgess Family
May you find comfort in knowing that Dorothy has now been reunited with Hank and family members that preceded her to Heaven. May you also be comforted by warm memories ,that there is no doubt, that Dorothy purposefully created for all of you.
Dave and Karen Murray says
Burgess Family
We are very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of visiting with Dorothy and Hank whenever we ran into them either at a Carroll game or at a “Just one more” party at my parents house. So many good memories ! God Bless you all !!
Marci & Steve Lynn says
Mary Kay, Jon and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for your great loss. Dorothy sounded like an incredible woman and what a legacy she & Hank have left. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bob Den Herder says
Words of love is what I think off when you say MA Burgess . Mother of so many besides her tribe . Never a sour word to me about anyone I Going to be missed , however we know who shes with now,Blessings to all the Burgess family.
Lisa Perpignano says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim and Sandra Gross and Family says
Sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Burgess family!
Ray Sharp says
So sorry to hear of yours and my loss…………A beloved women I sure enjoyed her…….
Janet Jorgenson Card says
Tom I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. I didn’t know your mom but I know this is a horrible time for family & we still think about you a lot & hope all is well. Love you, janet
Carolyn DeMartino says
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Mom. It was an honor and a privilege to know both Dorothy and Hank through the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. They will continue to inspire the lives of all that they touched with their love, kindness, and wonderful Irish humor. Love and prayers to all of the Burgess Clan, Carolyn (Johnson) DeMartino
Heather Moyle says
So sorry for your loss, but at peace to know she is now with Hank. God Bless.
Heather Moyle says
God bless to the entire Burgess family.
John and Aggie Frankino says
Our condolences to the Burgess family. May you find comfort in your memories and each other. God bless.
Gina Beneventi Tweden says
Thinking of each and every one of the great Burgess family. I am proud to say I have spent time with most of you!! But above of all I am so happy to say I spent time with your mother. Mrs. Burgess was always so kind to me. I will always remember how comfortable she made me feel, like a member of your family. Sending much love and prayers.
Love Always,
Gina Beneventi Tweden
Susie Fergerson - Wong says
Kathleen and all the Burgess family,
My condolences go out to all of you. Your mom was a wonderful lady, always made me feel welcome in your home when we were growing up and always had a hug when I would run into her over the years. Thinking of all of you, God Bless.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
To the Burgess Family – We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dorothy is happier now that she and Hank are once again together. We will miss them both. They were both such wonderful people. Take care and God Bless. Matt & Mary Kunnary