Dorothy Fordham Carpenter, 88, of Helena passed away of natural causes on August 5, 2016. Dorothy was born May 12, 1928, in Gresham, TX, the youngest of five children born to Dewitt Lymon and Dora Gertrude Fordham. When she was 4 years old the family moved to Tyler, TX where her father was employed by the railroads. Dorothy graduated from Tyler High School in 1945 and then attended and graduated from the Federal Institute Business College. She held a number of jobs in Tyler before starting to work for Shell Oil Company in Kilgore, TX in 1950. In 1952 she transferred to Shell’s Houston Office, and in 1958 she transferred to Choteau, MT. There she met and married Jack Carpenter. They divorced in 1987 but remained friends and business partners in real estate.
While living in Choteau Dorothy worked for the Choteau Drug Store in the Bookkeeping Department and as Cashier. In 1959 the family was transferred to Cutbank, MT where they lived for 3 and a half years and where two children, John and Ann were born. In 1962 the family was transferred to Helena, MT. For a number of years Dorothy stayed at home with her children. From 1974 to 1993 she worked in the Regional Office of the Veterans Administration at Fort Harrison as the Staff Appraiser in the loan Guaranty Division.
Dorothy enjoyed reading, singing, walking, doing puzzles of all sorts especially crosswords and scrabble. She also enjoyed volunteering, which she started when her children were in grade school and she helped in the school library for several years. After retiring from the Veterans Administration in 1993, she immediately began volunteering at St. Peter’s Hospital, Montana Historical Society, and the Montana Talking Book Library.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Talmage and Fred, and a sister Gertrude. She is survived by her son, John Carpenter (Natasha), her daughter Ann (Ken Svendsen), her sister Bernice Fredrick of Houston, TX, two grandchildren, Billy and Ali of Manassas, VA, numerous nieces and nephews, and recently a new great granddaughter.
A service celebrating Dorothy’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9th in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Private burial services were at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tuesday August 9, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home Socail Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena , Mt 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tuesday August 9, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home Socail Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena , Mt 59602
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Colleen Mockler says
Dorothy was a charming, delightful woman. In years past, I saw her often at the Talking Book Library and enjoyed her warmth and sense of humor. She was a joy to be around.
My condolences to her family. May you Rest in Peace, Dorothy.
Becky Bass says
Annie, and John,
Jon and I are sorry for the loss of your mother, and what a sweet lady she was.
You are in our prayers and hugs to you both and your families.
Hopefully some day I will get to see you both.
Jon and Becky Bass
Leona Zaharko says
I am so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. I worked at the VA at the same time she did.
She was always a very kind, beautiful person. And she always had a smile on her face.
JoAnn Longmire says
My sympathy goes out to your family. I worked with her at the VA. She was a great person, and fun to be around.
Mary Fordham Longhofer says
Aunt Sis, you were always in my heart. You were a very kind person. I enjoyed all the visit we had before and after you moved. You were a proper lady. Take care Ann and John. May God’s compassion lift you up at this time.
Natasha Carpenter says
My mother-in-law Dorothy was a very sweet and kind person. I loved her very much and will miss her. I will always have beautiful memories of her.
Diane Gunderson says
Dorothy was one of my volunteers when I worked at the Talking Book Library. What a wonderful, caring, kind and generous person. I always looked forward to seeing her and her beautiful smile. She will be missed. Love you Dorothy. Say hi to my mom. ?
Anna says
Ann,
With sincere condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Anna
Cindy says
Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Donna says
I hadn’t seen Dorothy for quite awhile. We used to have lunch together for fun. We met at Big Sky, I believe playing Cribbage with a little lady named Mary. A very nice lady… always a pleasant attitude. Sorry for your loss!
Char LeVasseur says
So sorry to learn of Dorothy’s passing. Volunteered with her at St. Peter’s Hospital and continued to see her afterward. She was a wonderful person. I enjoyed being with her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
SANDY ROGGE says
So sorry to hear of Dorhthy’s passing. I was a co worker with Dorothy at VA and she was a great co-worker and friend. My thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.
Tricia says
Ann,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.