1960
2010
Deirdre Lyn Alheim passed away on May 16, 2010 after a courageous 3 year battle with breast cancer.
Deirdre was born in Portland, Oregon on October 23, 1960 to Richard and Barbara Cole. She graduated from Centennial High School in Gresham, Oregon in 1978 and immediately joined the U.S. Coast Guard. She served as a coxswain on 44 ft motor life boats on the Oregon Coast; instructor at Boatswain Mate and Coxswain C schools in Yorktown, Virginia; Search and Rescue Coordinator at Group Mobile, Alabama and Group Mobile, Boston, Massachusetts; Housing Inspector at Support Center Governors Island, New York; and Barracks Master at Arms Activities NY in Staten Island.
While in the Coast Guard, Deirdre met Larry Alheim, an instructor at Marine Safety School in Yorktown, Virginia. After dating only 4 weeks, Larry proposed and lucky for him she accepted. They were married in 1984 and celebrated their 25th anniversary in December.
In 1998, Larry and Deirdre retired from the Coast Guard and moved to Helena, Montana with their daughter, Erin. In 2006, they moved to Montana City and joined the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department. Deirdre was named Rookie of the Year in 2006, and Firefighter of the year in 2007 and 2009, for outstanding service in the Fire Department. Even while undergoing chemotherapy in 2007, 2008, 2009, Deirdre still remained active, responding to over 70% of the department's calls including structure fires, wild land fires, vehicle accidents/extrications/fires, and hazardous materials incidents. She also responded to large mutual aid calls to the Meriwether fire, Spring Meadow Lake fire, Indian Trail fire, and MacDonald Pass fire.
Deirdre, Larry and Erin would like to thank Dr. Tom Weiner, Dr. Robert Pfeffer, and all the great nurses in the Cancer Treatment Center and the Oncology floor of St. Peter's Hospital for their outstanding treatment and care.
Deirdre was preceded in death by her father Richard Cole. She is survived by her husband Larry and daughter Erin of Montana City; her mother Barbara Cole of Portland, OR; sisters, Candy Dylla of Bend, OR and Cindy Vanhoff of Spokane, WA; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 24, 2010 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. To offer a condolence to Deirdre's family or to share a memory of Deirdre, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be sent in Deirdre's name to the Cancer Treatment Center, c/o St. Peter's Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 2094, 1 Jackson Creek Rd., Clancy, MT 59634. Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home in Helena.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 4, 2010
Robert Martinez
Larry, you may not remember me but I was a colleague of Dee's when you and her met at CG Training Center Yorktown. I was so saddened to hear of Dee's passing this past May. This memorium is a wonderful snapshot of your life together, your beautiful daughter and the life you two built. I'm elated to see what a truly wonderful life you two led together and the love you've shared. Many cannot claim that for themselves. May you be blessed with memories for all time to come.
Bob Martinez (USCG QMC ret.)
July 16, 2010
Dan Rogers
Larry and Erin,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember creating work-out tapes at your home in Mobile. It is one of my special memories
July 14, 2010
Terry Smock
Larry and Erin, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Dierdre. I was stationed with Dee twice when she was a 13th District sailor. She was always full of life and quick to crack a smile. The thought of Dee brings back many good experiances in the Coast Guard. I Haven't seen Dee in many years, However seeing her photos show a very proud mother and wife. She will be truly missed.
June 17, 2010
Jerrica & Robert Hawley & Blokzyl
you are missed so very much Dee.
Our hearts go out to you Larry and Erin.
June 17, 2010
Dave Spencer
Larry: Nothing but pleasant memories and smiles when I think of Dee. She was a Bosn's Bosn. A dear friend and partner in BM school. We are all better for having known her.
June 17, 2010
David Chapais
Larry, Erin, I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. I will always remember Dee's infectious smile. I still tell stories about the halloween party at the big white house in Yorktown.
God Bless
June 16, 2010
Dee,
I've lost track of you years ago but I'll never forget you holding you're own as the only woman instructor at CG Boatswain Mate school among a pack of over active men.
Fair winds shipmate....
Doug Wyatt, USCG
June 16, 2010
Frank Hawthorne
Larry and family, my prayers are with you, God Bless, LT Frank P. Hawthorne, USCG-ret., Katy, TX
June 16, 2010
Wray Gillette
Larry, Erin and family members. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
June 4, 2010
Dave Payne
All of our thoughts and prayers for you in your time of mourning. Our state lost one of it's finest firefighters. Our condolences to Larry and Erin in their deepest time of need. Dave and Michelle Payne (Simms Fire, Simms, MT.)
June 3, 2010
Michelle Payne
We are so sorry for the loss of a wonderful firefighter and a beautiful woman from the heart. Dee, Dave and I are so blessed to have met you and your husband at the Convention in June of 2008. We wish we would have had more time to spend with you two. You will truely be missed. Dave and Michelle Payne- Simms VFD
May 25, 2010
Patsy (Cole) Swofford
Deirdre was such a wonderful cousin. She was always so much fun. I will always remember her bright smile and laugh. I will miss her terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all that knew and loved her. "Gone Too Soon". xoxo
May 24, 2010
Vicki Marquis
What a courageous woman!! I'm convinced Dee could do ANYTHING!! What an inspiration! Larry and Erin, we are so sorry for your loss and keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Ross and Vicki Marquis and family
May 24, 2010
Larry,
I am so sorry. Know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Mike DaSilva
May 24, 2010
Ed Thamke
Dee was a bright light snuffed out too soon by the winds of life and death. Peace be with Larry, Erin, family and friends.
May 23, 2010
Randi Levin
In celebration of a life dedicated to serving others, and of a courageous spirit. May her memory be a blessing.
May 23, 2010
Rob McGinnis
I have met many people in my life but, Deirdre, Larry, and Erin are without a doubt among the truely good people I have had the pleasure of knowing. My deepest sympathies go out all who will miss such a wonderful person. May the wonderful memories live on in your hearts forever.
May 22, 2010
Michael Matich
Larry,
I am saddened to hear of your family’s loss. I know it has been a long time since our Yorktown days, but you and Dee have always been in my thoughts. I think we all owe Dee a sincere thanks for keeping us out of trouble.
May 21, 2010
Amy Freeman
Dee was a lady with heart, spirit, and spunk. She touched so many people and positively effected so many lives. She will be greatly missed. Larry and Erin my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
May 21, 2010
alisha dylla
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 21, 2010
Marrina Smith (Abeln)
She was a sweetie and will be deeply missed. She was a great friend in high school. Didn't get to know her family but I wish you peace,and great memories!
May 21, 2010
Michael Greer
Larry, I did not have the honor of getting to know Dee but I have watched the strength, dedication, amazing attitude and even humor that you showed throughout these last 8 months that I have known you and watched as you supported her courageous fight. You and Erin are amazing people and I wish you all the best. I know Dee was an amazing woman and I know she will be missed. You and Erin have all my love and prayers. Mike
May 21, 2010
Cindy Cole Vanhoff
I have had the pleasure of knowing Deirdre for 49 years - she is my little sister.
When she was born I was a little jealous of her as I would pull her little toes through the crib...
Little did I know back then what a gift she would be to me, to my family, and to all the people that have come to know her.
She was always there for me when I needed her to be. I never had to ask for help, she just knew and was there.
Deirdre has done so much for so many. She had a heart that overflowed with love - and she shared her love the best way she knew how - by always being there for others.
We were sisters. We've been through good times and bad, funny times and sad. But no matter what, we always loved each other.
And Larry and Erin, thank you for completing her life. Thank you for making her life full and wonderful. She is so proud of you both. She loves you both so very much and just know she will be watching over you from above.
I will miss you Deirdre. You fought long and you fought hard. I wish you had never had to.
You deserve some peace. I know you will find it in heaven.
And although I doubt heaven has any fires for you to put out, hence no fire department, you will find plenty to keep you busy.
Just rest, be in peace and enjoy catching up with dad.
It's been a long time...
May 21, 2010
Debbie Knight
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, thank you so much for sharing.
The Knight Family.
May 21, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Alheim family. My first cousin fought hard.
Sincerely,
Barbara Cole Ulmer
North Augusta, SC
May 21, 2010
Naomi Fleury
Larry & Erin, Our thoughts are prayers go out to you. May God provide the comfort you need at this time. Deirdre was a strong pillar in this community and will be sorely missed. Naomi Fleury-DEQ Coworker
May 21, 2010
Tripp Hammer
Dear Larry and Erin,
My prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate Deirdre's life. Though are paths only crossed a few times, I always considered you as dear friends. God Bless,
Tripp
May 21, 2010
Ben Kamerzel
What an inspirational Mom, Wife, Friend, Firefighter, and
Courageous and Positive Leader. If the world only had more people like Deirdre we all know it would be a better place. Our Prayers go out to Larry and Erin; what a great Woman!
Ben and Barbara Kamerzel
May 21, 2010
Dona McClung
Larry and Erin -
You know how much you've meant to me. Since you first moved to Montana, you two and Dee were an important part of my life. Your work in the community is inspiring to me and so many others. It's one of those examples of a pebble tossed in the water... you will never know how far the ripples of goodness travel. I know that Dee fought bravely; never giving up. She is in good company now, undoubtedly working on whatever needs doing. My love to you always.
May 21, 2010
Larry and Erin,
Kala Sylte and I, Linda Grady, are saddened by the lost of Deirdre, and have you in our thoughts as you go through the trying times over the next few months. Take care
May 21, 2010
Dearest Dee and Family.
One of things that High School doesn't prepare you for is when you have to say goodbye to your classmate forever. We always believe there will be the next football game - or the next event together. Today we say goodbye - but really it is only so long - not goodbye. We will all be together again - singing the fight song - and talking about the big game that we should have won - but didn't. Our love for you lasts longer than just today - but carries us on into tomorrow and beyond. Sweet dreams dear one - and know that you are thought of fondly and often. You live in our memory - and in God's name we pray for peace. With love and condolences during this time - Mary Edmeades
May 20, 2010
Retz Funeral Home
Our deepest condolences on the loss of such a remarkable, couragous person.
May 20, 2010
Montana City Volunteer Fire Department
Montana City lost an accomplished and dedicated member Sunday, May 16, when Firefighter Deirdre "Dee" Alheim passed away after a determined battle against breast cancer. In spite of frequent pain and the side effects of chemotherapy treatments, Dee continued to participate as an active member until recent hospitalizations kept her away. Her bravery and upbeat attitude continually inspired department members. Dee gave countless hours in support of the department and the community, whether responding to emergency calls or completing the endless behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep a fire department running. She leaves behind her husband, Firefighter Larry Alheim and daughter, Firefighter Erin Alheim.
May 20, 2010
Lyn Stimpson
Dee couldn't allow a bad situation to go on without taking action. Whether by doing the hard work herself, or by speaking out when something needed saying she always addressed the situation head-on. It's all too easy to not raise your hand and put another item on your to-do list; she left every meeting with at least 10 new things to work on. I think we'll only realize all the things Dee was doing as the months and years go by. She, and the whole Alheim Family have been a true gift to the Fire Department and the community. My Love and Respect to Larry and Erin
May 20, 2010
Rory Copeland
No one understands why bad things happen to good people. Dee brought a rare combination of humor, common sense, and hard work to all of the things she did. She will be greatly missed.
May 19, 2010
Jim Krissovich
Dee,
Your strong presence and influence on the community, fire department and all those that knew you will be sorely missed. Your smile, sense of humor and eagerness to help others was inspirational to us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Jim and Amanda Krissovich
May 19, 2010
Ron Pearson
No words are good enough to show our thanks and love for the generosity and caring by the Alheim family toward our family and our late father “Ted”. Dee Dee, as our father called her, was largely responsible for helping make Ted’s last years more comforting. Her giving personality showed in all she did. She will be greatly missed. Our love and support goes out to all in need.
Von, Ron and "Shadow"
May 19, 2010
Marty Calnan
Our prayers go out to the Alheim family. Please accept our sincere condolences. Dee was an outstanding member of community and the Montana City VFD. She will be terribly missed.
Marty and Kelly Calnan and family
May 19, 2010
Anne and Grayson Lenik
Dee, you fought your battle so bravely, with dignity and humor. Our family is so fortunate to have had you in our lives for the time that we did, albeit much too brief. We will miss you always. Much love, The Lenik Family
May 19, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Alheim family and the Montana City Fire Dept.
-Montana DNRC Dillon Unit
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