Dixie Boland

Dixie Lee (Williams) Boland, a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother entered heaven on Jan. 4, 2016.Dixies smile warmed the hearts of many people her entire life, especially her family; 5 children, 17 grandchildren, friends, 44 nieces and nephews, caregivers, and her countless customers.Dixie was born in Spokane, Washington on January 9, 1934. When she was two years of age, her home was taken by flood in Wallace, ID so her family moved to Giffin (near Stockett), Montana, so her father could work in the coal mines. Dixie attended school in Giffin and her father moved the house into Great Falls in order to have running water. Her father purchased the Brent Hotel and mattress factory. Dixie attended Emerson Grade School, Paris Gibson (now Museum of Art), and graduated from GFHS in 1952. She was active in ballet and theater. Dixie worked at Western Union as a typist during and after completing high school. Her passions were dance and theater throughout her life. She dated Ed Boland and they married at St. Gerards Catholic Church while he was in the Navy. They made their home in Great Falls and were members of St. Gerards for many years. After having five children, Dixie purchased her first set of costumes from the Helena Brewery Theater in 1971 and began her career as owner of Great Falls Theatrical and Costume Supply. The store had several locations over four decades in Great Falls. In 1970, Ed and Dixie purchased a home on the east end from Charlie Pride and raised their family there. Dixie delighted in helping many people dress up for Halloween, weddings, parties, and theater. She received great joy from helping others enjoy life by stepping into a new persona for a short time.Dixie was active at St. Gerards and St. Peter and Paul Parishes. She also volunteered as a Pink Lady at the Deaconess and Columbus Hospitals, a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Order of the Eastern Star, UGF College Guild, Rainbow Garden Club, Paris Gibson Museum of Art, founding member of the 10th Street Bridge Preservation Society, Cascade Historical Society, National Costume Association, and Great Falls Genealogy Society.Dixie joins her husband, Edward Michael Boland who entered heaven December 26, 2014 and her parents, Martha Rose (Thaxter) Williams and Seldon Spencer Williams. Dixie and Ed celebrated their 60th anniversary of marriage three months before his passing.Dixie leaves behind her children: daughters Mary (Steve) Gettel of Great Falls and Iowa and Jacquie (Tim) Harpster; sons Barry (Ann) Boland of Missoula, Chris (Di) Boland of Cascade and Paul (Young Oak) Boland of Great Falls; grandchildren Alyssa Boland of Seattle, Erin (Stacy) Bucher of Great Falls, Shea Boland of Texas, Callie Boland of Arizona, Christopher Boland of Cascade, Justin Boland of Butte, Kailee Boland (Nick) Gondeiro of Missoula, Chelsea Gettel of Bozeman, Jessica Harpster (Levi) Coughlin of Kalispell, Kellee Boland of Missoula, Justin Harpster of Billings, Cassidee Boland of Missoula, Caimin, Camilee, and Edward Boland of Great Falls; and her great grandchildren: Liam and Ellisyn of Great Falls.Dixie was an amazing woman who touched many lives with her positive attitude, hardworking tenacity and beautiful spirit, not to mention her contagious sweet smile. Dixie taught by example. She never carried a grudge and would even help and smile to those who did her wrong. What a legacy she has left behind.Dixie was an only child, but she has many cousins. Dixie was so very well cared for by her loving and dedicated daughter, Jacquie. Dixie and her family will always be grateful to many of her caregivers who fell in love with her smile and treated her with kindness.Dixies visitation is at OConnor Funeral Home Thursday, January 7, between 5:00-8:00 PM. A vigil service will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Friday, January 8, 2016 at 7:00 PM and funeral liturgy at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 9, 2016. A graveside service will be Monday, January 11, 11:00 AM at Mount Olivet Cemetery.Donations can be made to your favorite charity, Preservation Cascade, Inc., 409 4th Ave So., Great Falls, MT 59405, or Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 201 44th St. So, Great Falls, MT 59405.