Dorothy Alice Davis Barr died Thursday March 28, 2013 with her family at her side. Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Leslie O’Neil (Eldon), Gina Eiger (Richard), Mary Schuller (Jeff), Laura Sargent (Rocky), her sister Louise Savage (Jim), her grandchildren, Cam Brown (Dorianne), Melissa Munson (Garrett), Sarah Beaudette (Darrin), Dylan Schuller (JeCe), Josh Sargent, Skylar Sargent, her great grandchildren, Ewan, Kalia, Ambrose, and Gigi Brown, Maddox Schuller, Yves Beaudette, Elsie and Ida Munson.
She was preceded in death by her older sister Mary Huhn and former husband James W. Barr.
Dorothy was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on April 20, 1920 to J. Ray and Marie Davis, the second of three daughters. She grew up in Rocky River, Ohio and spent her early years racing sailboats, diving and swimming on Lake Erie.
She married James W. Barr in 1945. Dorothy and Jim moved to Montana after World War II and settled in Missoula where they raised their four daughters. In 1966, they traveled to Australia where they had considered settling but instead moved to Chautauqua, New York. After a few years in New York, the family moved back to Montana.
Dorothy graduated from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio with majors in History, English, Political Science and German. Her career in social work spanned many decades and focused on child welfare, Medicaid and involved writing the poverty program for Chautauqua County, New York. In Helena she was director of the new Model Cities project, 4C’s (Community Coordinated Child Care). After retirement, she and her daughter Mary ran Street Treats, a small fleet of ice cream trucks she enjoyed driving around Helena.
Dorothy was an athlete all her life. She competed in marathons into her 70s collecting many trophies along the way. She loved the mountains surrounding Helena and spent many happy hours hiking the trails with her dog. She was determined to get outside every day regardless of the weather.
Palm Reading was another of her talents. Her readings were a hit at the All Night Senior Party for many years as well as countless Democratic Political fund raisers. At any gathering she was often found surrounded by the outstretched palms of people waiting for predictions of love and fortune.
Dorothy loved children and they loved her back. She could make an adventure out of the most mundane of events, spinning an exciting tale that was mostly made up on the spot. Her greatest gift to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren was a deep and lasting love of the power of stories.
Even into her 90s, Dorothy constantly impressed people with her ability to recall, at will, great swaths of poetry by classic writers like William Ernest Henley and William Shakespeare. She would frequently encourage others to read and memorize the poem “Invictus”, by Henley, which she treasured greatly. Her encyclopedic knowledge of history was as well known by her family and loved ones as it was feared by any who dared argue politics with her.
Dorothy welcomed everyone into her life and believed all had a story worth knowing. She listened with genuine interest and made everyone feel his or her role in this world was special. There was something about her spirit that attracted all walks of life, and those she befriended represent a diverse cross-section of humanity. Her strength of character and great stoicism was an inspiration and wonder to all who knew her.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held in June when her family and friends can be together. Details will be posted.
We, her family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Country Life Assisted Living, and their warm, compassionate staff. We also would like to thank Frontier Home Health and Hospice for their kind assistance to us and insuring our mother’s comfort in her final days.
To honor Dorothy’s memory, the family requests generous donations be made to Friends of Hospice, 800 Front Street, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 P.M.
Saturday June 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday June 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 P.M.
Saturday June 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday June 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
DEBBIE SCHRAMM says
I AM SORRY SO FOR YOUR LOSS, YOUR MOTHER WAS A VERY INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN. I ENJOYED TAKING CARE OF HER AND SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. THE BEST THING IS HAVING HER DOG , SHE WILL BE LOVED AND TAKEN CARE OF, SHE HAS BROUGHT A LOT OF LOVE AND ENJOYMENT INTO OUR FAMILY, I THANK YOU ALL FOR THAT. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY BUT JUST REMEMBER SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART. YOU ARE ALL VERY SPECIAL. JUST KEEP YOUR CHINS UP AND SMILE WHEN YOU THINK OF YOUR MOTHER. SHE HAD A HEART OF GOLD, SHE TOUCHED MANY PEOPLE. LOVE DEBBIE.
Tim and Jodie Branson says
We are sorry for your loss. Dorothy was one of the most interesting persons we have ever had the privilege to know. She was a mentor to many on how to enjoy each day while you are here. She had a vast knowledge of so many different subjects and was never hesitant to ask about what she didn’t understand. We would quiz each other on geography when ever she would come to the store to shop and visit. We will carry those memories with us for ever.
Twilla Steber says
I’m so glad that I had the honor to no Dorothy and care for her. She told wonderful stories and they were very interesting. She will be missed by so many but we will never forget her. When I took her up to St. Pete’s to exercise everyone new her, She enjoyed going there ,Also she loved to go for ice cream with us. I’m truly sorry for your loss of your mother . Our prayers are with you.
Norma Tirrell says
Kudos to the obituary writer(s) for capturing Dorothy’s life, not what she did but who she was…one of the most authentic, courageous, outrageous and delightful women I’ve ever known. My love to Dorothy’s girls.
R. Lewis says
Dear family of Dorothy,
I am sorry for your loss. The death of a loved one is never an easy thing to cope with, no matter what their age. But you can take some solace in knowing that Dorothy lived a long and full life. You can also take solace in knowing that you have the opportunity to see Dorothy again. The Bible states at John 5:28, 29, “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his [Christ’s] voice and come out.” I hope these words provide you with some comfort.
Marylis Filipovich says
Dorothy had such a bright, positive spirit. I met her when she came to live at Country Life. She made life better for everyone around her. My Uncle Marshall, also a Country Life resident, spent many happy days last summer sitting outside on the patio visiting with Dorothy. At 92, she was still amazingly interesting, warm, and intelligent. I am so glad that I got to know her. She was so proud of her daughters and grandchildren. I hope the memories of her sparkly personality and her love will comfort all of you.