Dorothy Lazechko

Friend to all she met, Dorothy "Molly" Lazechko, 84, passed peacefully on September 1st, 2010 from natural causes. Born in Innisfail, Alberta Canada on June 3, 1926, Molly was the oldest of three sisters well-versed in the farming community. A true educator through and through, Molly began her teaching at an early age and later working as an exchange teacher in Scotland after W.W.II. Independent and strong-willed, Molly was content to be a single woman well into her 30's, until she met her husband Walter. The couple was married in Coeur d'Alene in 1960, a central location that allowed friends and family to share in their joyful ceremony. And sharing was what Molly was all about! Molly quit teaching for several years, so she could spend her time with her two sons while they were young. When the boys were old enough to take care of themselves, she returned to school at Boise State University to re-establish her teaching credentials. Molly then instructed for several more years at Whittier, Garfield and Whitney Elementary Schools before retiring from South Junior High. Not content to sit at home, Molly became very active in the Idaho Democratic Party, serving, among her activities, as Ada County Chair for four years, and in the Boise Retired Teacher's Association. Molly ran several campaigns, three of her own grassroots campaigns, receiving enough votes in 1990 to serve in the Idaho Legislature during the 1991/92 sessions. During her legislative career, Molly, was so inspired from an elementary classroom letter, that she got the Monarch Butterfly adopted as the state insect, and hence was known as the "Butterfly Lady" to many, especially children. Additionally during her tenure, the legislatures received a substantial raise, of which she donated all of it (and some more) to create an educational scholarship at B.S.U. that is still in existence today. Children continued to be her greatest joy throughout her last few years of life, for despite declining health, the small child in her arms brought forth the smile and twinkle in her eyes that we all so enjoyed. Molly was honored as a "Distinguished Citizen" by The Idaho Statesman. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, YWCA, Idaho Women's Network, Idaho Citizens Network, Idaho Rivers United, Sierra Club, YMCA and the IEA/NEA. Molly is preceded in death by her parents and youngest sister, Ivy. Molly is survived by her husband Walter, sister Peg, sons Robert and William, daughters-in-laws Willie and Laura, granddaughters Stefanie, Lindsay and Katie and grandsons Sam, Nick and Joey. Funeral services will take place at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 518 N 8th St, Boise, ID on Monday September 6th @ 2pm. A social gathering celebrating Molly's life will follow immediately after the ceremony. In Lieu of flowers, donations for needy children can be made directly to Whittier Elementary School, Boise, ID.