Norine Brittingham

Norine O’Connor Brittingham passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, after enjoying a full and beautiful life of 94 years.

Born on August 24, 1931, in Rimini, Montana, to Ida and James O’Connor, Norine grew up in Helena, where she graduated from Helena High School in 1949. Her younger brother Jim kept her on her toes, and the two shared a lifelong bond filled with laughter and stories. Jim had a special talent for teasing his sister and “getting her Irish up.” True to her Irish roots, Norine loved a good Guinness with her pizza and a touch of Jameson in her toddy. Her sister-in-law Barb became a close friend and confidant, and Norine was a devoted aunt to Barb and Jim’s sons, Shaun and Kelly O’Connor.

Norine was immensely proud of her children and delighted in their adventures and travels: Debbie Johnson (Jerry), Sherrie Ringstad (Glenn), Pete Brittingham (Linda), Mary Olson (Greg) and Lisa Brittingham (Mose Chun). Norine loved receiving postcards and living vicariously through their stories.

Sherrie and Pete blessed her with four grandchildren: Michele Ringstad (Jacob Knabe), Tina Devrin (Toni Devrin), Kate Brittingham (Austin Wallace), and John Connor Brittingham. She also “adopted” three special grandchildren of the heart — Bryant, Gibby, and Forrest Mawyer — whom she loved as her own.

After their start in Helena, the family moved to Billings and life on Avenue B brought Norine a cherished friendship with Marilyn Pearson and the Pearson family. A few years later, when the family moved to Howard Avenue, she gained another lifelong friend in Loretta Frank. Norine treasured these relationships and the sense of community they brought her family.

In the early 1980s, Norine moved to a condo at Sheraton Arms to be closer to work. She managed the X-ray department for several dentists at Plaza West Dental, where she was known as one of the finest dental X-ray technicians in Montana. She had a gift for making even the most nervous patients feel at ease. During these years, she formed deep friendships with her neighbors Bonnie and Len Richards, and with many coworkers — especially Dr. David Mawyer and his wife, Robbie, who became dear friends.

After her children moved away from Billings, Norine’s wonderful network of friends helped her live independently for many years. Len faithfully checked in on her daily, delivering mail and running errands. Loretta shared coffee and conversation with her several times a week, while Agnes Hernandez provided invaluable support that allowed Norine to maintain her independence.

In August 2023, Norine moved to MorningStar, where — in a delightful twist of fate — her dear friend Marilyn lived just down the hall. The two enjoyed many hours together, and Norine quickly made new friends in her community. She became especially close with Marilyn’s children, Paula and Ross Corson, who continued to visit her faithfully. Robbie Mawyer and Paula Corson became like daughters to her, bringing comfort and joy in her later years.

In March 2025, Norine moved to TenderNest, where her friend Bonnie also resided. The caring staff there provided her with comfort and compassion during her final months, and Len continued his thoughtful visits often bringing flowers to brighten her day.

A wonderful cook, Norine’s recipes were family treasures. Her famous applesauce cake was a beloved Christmas tradition, eagerly awaited by all. She passed down her love of cooking to her children and took pride in preparing and sharing great meals.

With 94 years of love, laughter, and friendship, Norine leaves behind countless cherished memories and many hearts that will miss her deeply. Her warmth, wit, and Irish spirit will continue to live on in all who knew her.

A celebration of Norine’s life will be held on Friday, November 7th at 1:00 p.m. at Michelotti-Sawyers, 1001 Alderson Avenue.

If you would like to honor Norine’s memory, please consider a donation to Billings Christian School, 1515 Shiloh Road, Billings MT 59106, or a charity of your choice. https://billingschristian.org/giving/