On the morning of June 21, 2014, while at home Christa Lee (Trinkett) Andersen, born in Helena Montana on 28 December 1957, unexpectedly departed this life. Those very close to Christa knew her as “Trinkett”- a nickname she received at the time of her birth, due to her being so small. She was the daughter of Rosalie Swanson and Robert Andersen.
Christa was raised by her grandparents Ralph and Dorothy Swanson in the 6th Ward, a fourth-generation Montanan who proudly traced her heritage back to Ireland. She was an active and involved youngster and could be found running barefoot down the alleys (much to her Grandparents’ chagrin), behind Bryant School, or riding on her motorcycle about everywhere. Her most beloved places were where the family camped often up the Little Blackfoot affectionately named mud pond, tree and rock island. She attended Bryant elementary and Helena High School where she graduated with honors.
After high school, it was off to Eastern Montana College where she was selected as a member of the scholastic “Who’s Who”, the Dean’s List and graduated with a Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Trinkett started her career with the Door of Hope in San Diego California. After several years she returned to Helena to be closer to family. She went on to work with Child Protective Services which became Child and Family Services Division. She was a fierce advocate for abused and neglected children. She then transferred to Billings where she continued her work until her untimely passing. A well practiced fisherwoman, who had a great devotion to the snagging of Kokane salmon, would drive from Billings to be fishing at first light on opening day. A very avid marksman with a rifle, but no hunter, she loved all animals dearly, especially her little dogs. All of which were always treated to weekly car rides, to stick their heads out the window or to find a new place to sniff.
Trinkett was a devoted and much loved Auntie to her nephew and niece – Cordell and Kyra Andersen. She never missed a birthday or holiday, even after moving to Billings. It was with great excitement that on the 4th of July family picnic Auntie Trinkett would show up with the ‘Grand Finale’ a massive display of mortar rounds and sky rockets. She helped in providing Hospice care for her grandmother and enjoyed doing special things for friends and neighbors- taking them shopping or making sure that they had somewhere to be on holidays.
Trinkett is survived by her husband of eight years, Dr. Dan Lennon of Billings, brother Dirk Andersen, sister-in-law Carol, nephew Cordell Andersen, niece Kyra Andersen and aunt and uncle. Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be loved and missed, now and always.
A Funeral Mass will be 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26th at the Cathedral of Saint Helena, with burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA or Humane Society.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday June 26, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helen
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday June 26, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Rayetta Fjell says
I was so so sorry to hear about Christa. I will miss her laugh, her smile and her options! so much. She was a “lunch” companion to many of us here in the Billings office. My prayers and thoughts are with Christa’s family. Rayetta Fjell
Arieal Howland says
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Christa through Child Protective Survises. She was the one that was trying to help me go through classes to get my son back. She was very happy that i choose to sign my rights away to give my son’s grandma now mom custody of my son. She was so happy to see how smart and big my son got. She was always a happy person with a great smile on her face. I am blessed that I got to get the opertunaty to meet her and her have her help me with my case with my son. I will always remember you Christa I hope that some day we will meet again.
FROM
Arieal Howland
Marcey Foottit says
May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time. Christa and I met after she transferred to Billings. I had recently become a Case Manager and she was the first social worker I had a case with. I know how she loved to spend time in Helena with family. We both had a love for our dogs and I frequently passed her on Yellowstone River Road as she took her dog for a ride every day after work. She will truly be missed.
Mary Ke Allard says
I was so startled/crushed when I received the phone message from Dirk saying that Trinkett had passed that morning. I knew Trinkett since we first meet as ‘locker mates’ in 7th grade… all our little adventures on her Honda 90. .. I will miss her dearly, and my condolences to Dirk and his family. In my heart, she shall remain.
Karen (Crowley) Midtlyng says
Daniel, Dirk, and family–I was shocked and saddened to hear of Trinkett’s untimely passing…….just unbelievable. What a warm and caring and fierce person, filled with an uncanny sense of justice and caring. Advocate for children and someone who you would want in your court (and oh, did she love her little doggies). I remember the adventures she and I and Mary Ke had as “Sherman and Company”! Her laugh was priceless. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers during this most difficult time.
Melanie monson says
Christa was my family’s case worker for the over a year and she was the kindest most caring person. She just dismissed us last week and we couldn’t have done it with out her. She helped me and my fiance in to be healthy people to each other and our children. She truly cared about the family’s she worked with. I will never forget what you did for us Christa. You are an amazing and beautiful soul.
Rebecca Burt says
You will be missed Christa. So sorry to hear of your passing. My prayers are with those who you left behind.
Cindy Paradis says
The world lost a beautiful soul. The children lost a friend and a person willing to fight for them. She left the world a better place. We should all hope to do as well as she did. So sorry.
Denise Bright Cartisser says
Dirk,
I am so sorry about your loss of Trickett, just know she is with her loved one’s in heaven, I know her and my mom and catching up, she always remember my mom & dad birthdays and christmas
Shannon Bright-Meyer says
Dirk, I was so sad to hear about Trinkett passing away, like Denise said, she was always so good to mom and dad and I will always love her for that. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this terrible time. Love you and god bless.
Teresa Cox says
I am so sorry for your loss. Suzanne had called me so I knew before the obituary came out. I lost my daughter in April, my brother last November, my biological dad in October, my granddaughter in 2012 to SIDS, my husband in 2009, my mother in law in 2008, and my mother in 2008. As you can see I am no stranger to grief. Christa was always cheerful and loved coming to see Jeff and I for home visits. She was always proffesional and loved her profession. I still could call her to say hi even after I adopted my grandson in November.
I will miss her.
Sincerely,
Teresa Cox
Brian C. Reed says
My deepest condolences to Dan and to Christa’s family.
Randy Rusek , Christopher Rusek, Benjamin Rusek says
Dirk: Our prayers are with you and your Family.