Dorothy Frances Glass died in Helena, Montana on December 25, 2010. She was born in McClellan Creek on January 13, 1925 to Antone and Frances (Petek) Strainer.
Dorothy started working instead of going to High School as a potato picker, nanny, housekeeper and cook, and gave her pay checks to her parents. At the age of 16, she became a barmaid, worked at Woolworth’s and then at Eddy’s Bakery. She met Joe Glass at the age of 17, and fell in love and married on March 6, 1943. While Joe fought in the war, she moved to Canada with her son, Charles. While residing there, her son Bob was born.
Dorothy and her family moved back to Helena, where their daughters, Dottie and Victoria were born. They bought their first home on Hillsdale Street. Dorothy continued to work while raising her four children, candling eggs at Al’s Poultry Farm. She then worked at Bill’s Bakery, Supersave Baker, Niblack, and then as a Director of the Y.W.C.A. for five years until Dorothy and Joe owned their own businesses (B&J Bingo and then Glass’ Fish n Chips.) Dorothy and Joe semi-retired in 1984, and a year later went to work part-time for their son, Robert, at the Glass Slipper for 20 years. Dorothy and Joe bought their home on Breckenridge in 1959, and lived there for over 50 years. Dorothy started her early career as a barmaid and ended her working life as a barmaid. Dorothy believed that a great work ethic and staying busy kept her and Joe healthy and happy for many, many years.
Dorothy loved to dance and listen to polka music and Lawrence Welk. She never missed a chance to watch figure ice skating or Dancing with the Stars on TV. She loved taking care of people and always invited people over for a hot meal. In her later years, she was known as “The Cupcake Lady,” because she always made cupcakes for special occasions for her friends at The Waterford, where Joe and Dorothy lived together from 2006 to 2010.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, William and Edward Strainer and Margurite Ann Prebil. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Glass; children, Charles (Barbara) and Robert (Donna) Glass, Dottie (Roy) Maxted and Victoria Glass; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Frances Murgel and Betty Herter; brother, Robert (Sharon) Strainer; sister-in-law, Myrth Strainer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dorothy will be missed by her family and many friends. She will be especially missed by Joe, her husband of 67 years. She was known for her ability to gather family and friends together for any reason to celebrate . . .
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 650 S. Logan St. in Helena.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Cemetery, P.O. Box 525, East Helena, MT 59635 or to the Montana Military Museum, P.O. Box 125, Fort Harrison, MT 59636.
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Allen Stenhjem says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Glass family What a wonderful Lady will be missed. God Bless.
Carolyn Pelletier says
To The Glass Family,
I remember when our family would come to your family home while our dads visited about the FSSF. I also spent many evenings attending FSSF meetings with Dorothy & Joe always in attendance. I got to visit with them in 2006 at the FSSF reunion. I also knew Dorothy when I lived at the YWCA for a time. She lived a grand and full life and is an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. I know you have many memories that will help guide you through this difficult time. My very deepest sympathy. Carolyn Pelletier – kkinnv@hotmail.com
Dana Joe McDonald says
My heartfelt feelings go out to Dorothy’s family.
Elaine Tuffli & Family says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am sorry it has taken me so long but we also had the same loss recently in our family. I will keep you all in my prayers and have the peace in knowing, they are angels now. Take Care Elaine
Mel & Betty Humphrey says
It was an extremely sad time when we learned of Dorothys passing.We are unable to be with you as we are in Portland, OR with our son.
My the Lord be with you now & always,
Mel & Betty
Rhonda Strainer says
Dear Uncle Joe & Family,
I will miss Aunt Dorothy. She brought happiness and sunshine to many people. Her selfless service to others will never be forgotten. I’m sure she is already been crowned the Cupcake Angel. You all have my heartfelt sympathy at this very sad time.
Your niece,
Rhonda Strainer