Pauline D. Hames, age 95, of Helena

Pauline Dorothy (Zorich) Hames, the only child of Frank and Mary Zorich, passed away on February 23, 2026. Before she passed, Pauline told her family that she was blessed with a wonderful life and had no regrets.

Pauline was born in Helena on June 18, 1930. She attended St. Helena Catholic School through 8th grade and Helena High School, where she graduated in 1948.

At age 16, Pauline obtained her first job at Fligelman’s Department Store in the hosiery department. Because stockings were rationed during World War II, she was told to keep a record of customers’ names and the dates when hosiery was purchased. Pauline later worked at Western Life Insurance Co. after school and during the summer for $0.35 an hour. Following high school, she worked at the State Purchasing Department. On May 5, 1951, Pauline married Lew Hames, a handsome Helena man with a winning smile. The newlyweds went to Fort Lewis, Washington, where Lew completed his military service. Following Lew’s honorable discharge from the Army, they returned to Helena. Pauline was rehired at Western Life and worked at the switchboard until the birth of their first daughter, Katherine. Their second daughter, Elizabeth, was born five years later. Having earned a reputation early in life as a hard worker and a fast typist, Pauline was recruited by the administrator of the Montana Secretary of State’s Office. She began working in that office shortly after the birth of her second daughter and remained there until her retirement in 1987.

Pauline was a caring, compassionate, and giving person who enjoyed connecting with others. She volunteered as a Camp Fire leader, and in retirement, she spent many years at Broadwater Elementary School listening to children read. She was active in her church, where she was a greeter and a volunteer in the kitchen for funeral luncheons. She regularly attended daily Mass and became friends with a group of women fondly known as “the Church Ladies.” Their bonds were strengthened by gathering together to celebrate holidays and birthdays.

All were welcome at her table. She lovingly prepared numerous meals for family and friends throughout the years. After each had lost a spouse, Pauline’s father and her mother-in-law ate dinner at her home almost every night. She was known for her delicious pies and for mastering the art of making povitica, a Croatian nut bread. Amazingly, one Easter season, she made seven lamb cakes and delivered them to friends and neighbors.

Pauline enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, visiting friends on Flathead Lake, fishing, and spending treasured time with her three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was blessed with a 73-year marriage to a loving and caring husband. She cherished being part of the Hames family and always welcomed the opportunity to be with her in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Pauline was proud of her rich heritage. Her knowledge of Croatian history, culture, and traditions came from her parents and close relatives, all of whom had immigrated from that country. Along her life’s journey, Pauline touched the hearts of many with her engaging personality and genuine interest in others.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lew Hames, and her parents, Frank and Mary Zorich. Pauline is survived by her daughters, Katherine (Jim) McDonnell and Elizabeth (Leroy) Lewis; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Philip) Jackson, Ben (Kathleen) McDonnell, and Grant Lewis; and her great-grandchildren, Boston and Emmett Jackson, and Clare, Nora, and Vivian McDonnell.

Memorials may be sent to Helena Food Share or God’s Love. Pauline’s family greatly appreciates the care and support of the staff at L.I.S.A. Home Health, BeeHive Homes, and Mount Ascension Transitional Care. The family also expresses its gratitude to the Eucharistic Ministers from Our Lady of the Valley Parish who visited Pauline and brought her Holy Communion while she resided at BeeHive and Mount Ascension