Shirley Anne Bachini

Shirley Anne (Levengood) Bachini—always the warm-hearted and open-minded conversationalist, passed away on Monday, May 9th , in Helena, Montana. 

Born in 1935 in the middle of the Great Depression, Shirley spent her early years on two family ranches near Richey, MT that her family lovingly referred to as “the North and South Place.” Growing up in the 30s was tough and even at the end of her life, the nurses referred to Miss Shirley as a “fighter.” 

In 1945, she moved with her parents and two siblings into town, later graduating from Richey High School.  Shirley then attended Northern Montana College in Havre, where she met her forever sweetheart, Bob Bachini. They married in 1956 and lived in Havre until Bob’s retirement. In 1993, they moved to Helena to be closer to the many friends they had made during Bob’s years in the State Legislature. Her daughter, along with her three grandchildren moved to Helena shortly thereafter and Shirley took an active role in raising them. She was a tireless bleacher fan, minivan driver and after-school snack chef.  She deservedly took credit for the wonderful adults and parents her grandchildren turned out to be. 

Shirley loved her “communities.”  She was a long-time democratic party member, a devoted member of the Covenant United Methodist Church, and a snowbird with many dear friends in Lake Havasu (AZ).  She enjoyed lasting friendships with her fearless and dedicated “Y” ladies with whom she shared many years of Aqua Aerobics and comradery, and she loved her fellow residents at Touchmark Senior Living—where she enjoyed taking dancing classes with Bob and learning Spanish. Above all, to her family she was “Granny,” and found her deepest joy in being with her six great-grandchildren, aged one to seven.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Zelda Levengood, and more recently her much-loved nephews, Jason Blankenship and Jim Levengood.  She is survived by her husband Robert, daughter Linda Crofts (Rob), sister Sharon Bridgeford (Ken), grandchildren Ross Miranti (Sarah), Cara Uribe (Johnatan), Gina Miranti-Mistry (Sunil), nieces Deb Blankenship, Suzanne Campbell, and Korinne Parker, and great-grandchildren Matteo, Soleio, Avi, Lucy, Veda, and Yuna. 

Shirley believed in the power of love, tolerance, and helping one another. The family suggests giving to Helena Food Share, YMCA, or Covenant United Methodist Church in her honor.

The funeral service is May 15th, 2pm at Covenant United Methodist Church 2330 E Broadway St, Helena, MT.

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