Dorothy Marie Hemmer

Dorothy Marie (Tangney) Hemmer passed away Monday evening in Billings following a short battle with cancer. Mom was born in Seattle on June 28th, 1923 to Tom and Gertrude Tangney, the oldest of five. She grew up a typical Irish-catholic school girl, attending catholic schools through high school. Following graduation, she held different jobs in Seattle, including working for a local bus line and for the city. But that all changed when her friend and co-worker introduced her to her friend from Montana, Lawrence Hemmer. Mom and Dad had a long distance romance for about a year, and on October 15th, 1955, they were married. Mom packed up her life in Seattle to begin a new one near Galata, MT, where Dad farmed. It took a little while for this city girl to get used to farm life, but soon she learned to love it. The farm became home, and that's where she raised her 3 kids. Mom and Dad stayed on the farm until 1995 when they moved to Billings. Mom loved spending time with her family, whether it was at the family cabin near Kalispell, over a good home-cooked meal, or just sitting around visiting. She was very proud of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, never missing an opportunity to brag about them. Mom also loved to read - she loved mystery novels, People magazine, and the local newspapers. She also loved to cook for her family. Mom was known around Galata for her cookies, and as the kids and grandkids moved away, Grandma's cookies got new followers, because she always sent enough to share.

Dorothy is survived by her three children, ten grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren; Larry (and Jan) of Billings and children David, Dan, Laura and LeAnne; Teresa (and Kevin) Dosland of Whitehall, and children Colleen (David and daughters Rachel and Sarah), Kyle (Molly and daughter Natalie), and Keith; and Mike (and Shirley) of Federal Way, WA, and children Jennifer, Eric, and Abby; her brother Jack Tangney of Tacoma, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lawrence, her sister Jean, brothers Tom and Bob, and granddaughter Cassie Dosland.

We will miss Mom's laugh, her companionship, and her love. We know she's in the loving arms of God, and together with Dad again. Mom, Grandma, Nana, Sis - we miss you, but we know we'll see you again. We want to thank the staff of RiverStone Hospice - your compassion helped us and Mom through a very tough time.

A Rosary service will be held on Sunday at 7:00 at the Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, April 2nd at 10:00 at St. Pius Church X in Billings. Memorials can be sent to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

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