Delores Marie Kangas

It is with great sadness, that I announce the passing of my beloved sister and best friend, Delores Marie Kangas on May 3rd 2024, 1:50am in the BeeHive Homes of Butte where she resided since February 2011. Delores was born to Edwin and Elsie (Hovin) Kangas on June 28, 1937 in the Murray Hospital Butte, Mt. August 15, 1939 our brother Joel joined the family and the last to arrive on May 25, 1949, Francella (Fran). Delores lived for some time in Tacoma Washington while dad worked at the shipyards during the war welding. Joel became very ill and the doctor told our parents to leave Tacoma because the weather there was very bad for his health. They packed their bags and returned to Butte where we lived until dad and mom moved to Waterloo Mt. Delores tried the country life and hated it. No chickens, pigs and milk cows for her, she was a city girl. She moved back to Butte and worked for the American Optical Company on Park Street for 20 plus years. American Optical moved to the flats and since she was unable to drive, they let her go. She had very little peripheral vision. She found work at the Silver Bow General Hospital on Continental Drive and would always say when given the opportunity, “it was the best job I've ever had”. Then St. James took over the hospital and closed it. She had had enough of the corporate world so she started her cleaning company. She had so many wonderful clients from the Country Club area to the upper west side of Butte. Unable to drive, she relied on the bus service, cabs and walking. However, many of her clients loved her and her work so much they would pick her up and bring her home when she was finished. When she turned 62, she put her mops away threw out her cleaning rags and lived the good life on $600 per month. She loved going to the Belmont Senior Center almost every day and especially on Friday for bingo and the salad bar. Not sure which one of these was her favorite. She developed many friendships there and especially loved the birthday dinners and music. She continued to go until Covid and for some reason would not return. After she retired, she took trips to Oregon and her favorite was the Oregon beaches. She went to Maui, a cruise to Alaska, Grand Canyon and many tours around Oregon and Washington. Delores was a very caring and loving person. She would get so angry when people got mean, nasty, rude and especially bullies. She just wanted everyone to get along, agree to disagree when necessary and despised gossip. She loved animals, especially dogs, specifically Labradors and Chihuahuas. Delores was preceded in death by our parents, brother, grandparents and 21 aunts and uncles. Also one of our many cousins Lorraine Keranen, Wolf Lake Mn. Her very special friend and other sister from art class at Butte High, Carol (Wyatt) Maunder on April 13, 2018. Delores spent much time with Carol and Bill for holidays, birthdays, just about any gathering at their house. Delores was there peeling potatoes, carrots and washing dishes galore. She is survived by her sister Fran, cousins Gwenda and Gwyneth Llewellyn Seattle WA, all of Lorraine's family in Minnesota and Carol and Bill's family of Butte and Anaconda, and of course her BeeHive family. I want to thank the following caregivers for Delores: Dr. William Brennick, she would say you are the best dentist in Butte, Dr. Serena Brewer, Dr. Jonathan Mercer, Dr. Nathaniel Readal, Her caregivers at the BeeHive Homes house 2. All of you are wonderful and her special caregiver Rachael and Kimmie for being there for me when she passed, Bethani and Katarina and her son. Katarina the smile on her face when you came in with Finn was so beautiful. That will stay in my heart forever. I cannot forget Lori, the activities director, all the rides she took with you on the BeeHive Van and especially the McDonald's ice cream cone after. Delores looked forward to those trips. Thank you for what you do for all the residents (3 houses). You are truly a blessing to them. Aaron and Janelle Hildreth for providing a very safe comforting place for her to live all those years. You and your staff took excellent care of Delores. Now, a very special thank you to Dr. Jesse Cole for suggesting that we go to Anaconda to see Dr. James Hueftle for her cancer and to Nancy who made her first appointment with Dr. Hueftle. Dr. Hueftle, thanks to you I had 7 glorious wonderful years with Delores after her diagnosis. Delores loved you so much. All your staff in Anaconda are wonderful. Private graveside service will be held on her birthday. Delores would love for you to make a donation in her memory to the Butte Rescue Mission, 610 E. Platinum St Butte, Mt. 59701. It bothered her so much that in this country with so much abundance, people would go without a roof over their head and no food to eat. Rest in Peace my beautiful sister. It is such a comfort for me to know you are no longer in pain and suffering. I look forward to being with you in heaven when God calls me home. Love you. Fran

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Delores Marie Kangas

June 28, 1937 - May 3, 2024