“A person’s true wealth is the good he or she does in the world.”
Dolores L. Barsanti, 95, a long-time resident of Walkerville, Montana passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2015 due to natural causes.
The fifth of ten children, Dolores was born on June 16, 1920 to William E. and Natalie M. (Clark) Silver. Born when Butte had a population of over 100,000, Dolores grew up learning first-hand about tough times, the value of hard work, the importance of family, and our responsibility to do everything we can to help others.
Dolores married Arthur W. Barsanti, jr. in Butte, Montana. He died in 1959. Widowed at a young age, Dolores did what was necessary to raise five children on her own including taking on odd jobs cleaning houses and doing laundry for others. She made certain her children and grandchildren knew the meaning of hardwork, compassion, and trust in God and the Catholic faith. Dolores was an example to those who knew her.
She worked for nearly 30 years for the Human Resource Development Council in various capacities including her position at retirement as the coordinator of the Neighborhood Center. She was a tireless advocate for the less fortunate and, frankly, anyone down on their luck. She always said it was her job to build self-worth and not give handouts.
She also gave of her time and talents to various community causes including over 40 years on the board of directors for the BSW, Inc., volunteer for the Special Olympics, member of the board of directors for the Butte Silver Bow Humane Society, long-time member of Butte Celebrations, Inc. and various other committees and organizations including some at the state level including the Model Cities Program and efforts to bring school hot lunch to the community. She was honored in 2000 for her efforts being selected as the Grand Marshall of the Butte 4th of July Parade. Dolores also has a BSW, Inc. group home named in her honor. She was a lifelong Catholic belonging to various parishes in Butte including St. Lawrence O’Toole, St. Mary, Immaculate Conception, and St. Patrick’s.
Known for her sense of humor, compassion, and ability to tell stories, Dolores never shied away from lending a listening ear or engaging a stranger in conversation. She loved to brag about Butte as well as her family. Life was tough for Dolores but she lived it to the fullest and taught many important lessons about being content and doing what you can, with what you have, where you are.
Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Arthur, brothers: William Silver, Charles Silver, and Ray Silver; sisters: Dorothy Brand, Margaret McNeal, Jean Silver, Agnes Mediate, and Mary Driscoll; grandchildren: Kelley Wright and Greg Bugni; and great-grandson Antony Bugni. She is survived by her sister, Bernice Morris; children Marcia Pinch, Bill (Shauna), Carma (late Mark) Kovnesky, John, and Tom; and grandchildren Ginny Sandstrom, Marcy Rogers, Patricia Hartt, Michelle Bugni, Shauna (Jeff) Torgerson, Rick Bugni, Larry (Ann) Bugni, Eric Barsanti, Danielle Barsanti, John Marden, Jason (Angela) Kovnesky, Jared (Jaci) Kovnesky, Jake (Heather) Kovnesky, Josh Kovnesky, and Justin (Lindsey) Kovnesky. She is also survived by numerous great-, and great-great grandchildren as well as close nieces, nephews, and special friends.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday August 28, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. There will be a visitation starting at 5 p.m. with rosary to follow at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015 also at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made on Dolores’ behalf to BSW, Inc. 845 South Wyoming Street, Butte, Montana 59701 or Our Lady of the Rockies, 3100 Harrison Avenue, Butte, Montana 59701.
