Harrington, Danette

Danette "Danzi" Harrington

February 9, 1944 - February 22, 2026

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.

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 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, in St. Patrick's Church for visitations. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. 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.