Danette "Danzi" Harrington, a proud Irish Catholic Democrat Union Butte gal, passed away surrounded by her family on February 22, 2026.

Born and raised in Dublin Gulch to Daniel "Dunie" and Margaret (Paige) Harrington, she joined her brother Jim on February 9, 1944. It wasn't an easy life in the Gulch, but it was a great life in a neighborhood with people that she loved.  She was the daughter of a hard-working miner in a mining neighborhood. Her eyes gleamed when she told stories about the people, history and events of Butte, and especially the Gulch.  You knew you were in for a laugh when she told stories of life in Butte in the good ol' days, the Columbia Gardens, hitching a ride on the trains across town, group trips, and late night shenanigans and early mornings at the M&M and Pekin.

She was a proud graduate of St. Mary's grade school and the Girls Butte Central class of 1962, and that foundation in faith and education carried throughout her life.

Working life began right out of high school at Blue Shield Insurance. She then began a 53 year tenure of public service at the Courthouse in various roles in the Assessors office and Metro Sewer. Then, as a newly single mother of two teenagers, she courageously stepped into the political arena and won the office of County Auditor in 1992, an office she proudly held until her retirement in 2016.

She welcomed sons Jeff and Jason along the way, and never missed an athletic, academic, extracurricular, or special event in their lives, and the same goes for her grandkids.  She drove all over Montana to support their activities, and was always ready to go on a road trip to watch Hunter and Payton.

It was always important to her to be of service to others, and proudly served as a member of Soroptomist, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Butte Central Schools, St. James Hospital, the Montana East-West Shrine Game, Safe Space, Al-Anon, and Ronald McDonald House Tree Festival. She was a driving force in the Courthouse decorations and holiday celebrations, which led to the dynamic duo of Danzi and Lori Maloney being named the Grand Marshalls of the St. Patrick's Day parade, which was their favorite day.  A role she cherished was as a founding member of the Irish Apron Ladies for the An Ri Ra festival, a service that she and the other ladies brought to legendary status among performers from all over the world, which made Butte feel like home for them, and led to lasting friendships.

She surprised us all with her sense of adventure from snow skiing, pulling water skiers, zip lining, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting, and traveling – she was up for it!

In 2024 we shared a special trip with the whole family and many friends to watch Notre Dame and Chicago Bears football games. It was on that trip that she took her first and last trip in a rickshaw at breakneck speeds.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Daniel "Dunie" and Margaret Harrington, brother and sister-in-law Jim "Harr" Harrington and Joan Porter, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She was also preceded by her best friend Lori Maloney, and many other dear friends that treated each other like family.

She is survived by sons Jeff (Velvet) and Jason Hartwick, grandchildren Hunter, Payton, and Daniel "Dunie" Hartwick; niece Kelli McMillan and nephew Dan Harrington; cousins Tom Paige,  Jerry Paige, and Linda Shea; Extended families of the Maloney, Harrington, Porter, Shea, McHugh, and Firpo clans; and great friends that are part of the family – too many to mention, but you know who you are.

Danzi lived her life based on the foundations of faith, family, friends, and community, surrounded by love and laughter.  We can take comfort in that, as well as learn from it.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:00am to 11:00am Thursday March 5, in St. Patrick's Church for visitations.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am in St. Patrick's Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Butte Central, An Ri Ra, or the charity of your choice.