Connie Dawson Cash

Connie "Chickie" Dawson Cash

On Saturday February 24 th , 2024, Connie passed away peacefully in Bozeman with her three sons by her side. Connie's major passions in life were family, music, religious worship, and helping hose who are less fortunate.

Connie was born on May 15, 1936, in Whitehall, Montana to Patrick T. Dawson and Bernice Wilson Carlson Dawson. Connie grew up in Cardwell and Miles City. Her mother Bernice had a bakery in Miles City among other ventures. Also, when living in Miles City she had early exposure to religious worship: She spent time at a convent there. Connie attended Bozeman High School, where she was active in music. (She played the violin). There she met and married Jack K. Durnam. They had three sons (Pat, Mike, and Dan). Connie divorced Jack in 1962.

In 1966, Connie married Michael Lee Cash. Michael was offered and accepted a job to teach at a high school in Lebanon, Oregon, so the family moved there. Two years later, they moved to Glendive, Montana, where Michael continued to teach high school and Connie became very active in local community activities, such as the community concert. She was also very active with music. She sang at weddings and other family get-togethers. Connie worked at various jobs during her lifetime, usually as a salesperson. She especially liked working for Don and Dotty Erickson at Fashion Island and Don's Shoes in Glendive.

Connie and Michael moved to Red Lodge, Montana, where they purchased a pizza restaurant (Bogart's Pizza) and then later they moved to Billings. Mike and Connie divorced and then Connie moved to Bozeman so she could be closer to her sons, and Michael moved back to Glendive. In Bozeman, Connie continued to be active in community events, including singing at weddings, church services, and fund-raising events. She attended the Pilgram Congregational Church, Resurrection Parish, and Grand Avenue Christian Church. While at the Congregational church, she served as musical director. Connie had an amazing singing voice. Many people remarked how they were deeply touched by her singing. Unfortunately, in later years she lost her ability to sing because of health reasons.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents (Patrick and Bernice) and sisters Florence (Dan) Pyfer and Alma (Lee) Bennett. She is survived by a sister, Betty Jo Monforton (Remi), her sons Patrick (Jeanise), Michael (Vicki), and Daniel, plus numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We would like to express our deepest thanks to the Big Sky Hospice team and Brookdale Spring Meadows assisted living team for the special care she was given. They took excellent care of her in her final days. Connie was always passionate about helping other people who were less fortunate. She would like any donations in her name to be given to local foodbanks. Burial will be in the cemetery at St. John's Catholic Church in Boulder. There will be a celebration of life at The Pilgrim Congregational Church in Bozeman (in the sanctuary room) on Friday August 9 at 10:30 am.