April 2, 2015, marked the end of a remarkable journey for an extraordinary woman. Edith Tanna, 94, passed away peacefully during recovery from a broken hip and a brief illness.
Edith began her journey on October 11, 1920, when she was born in Tallinn, Estonia, to Alexander and Linda (Kivi) Orro. She spent her childhood in the newly independent nation on the Baltic Sea, pursuing her education into University before being interrupted by a Russian invasion at the beginning of World War II. Subsequent invasions by the German Nazis and again by the Russians caused Edith and her family to flee into Germany where she survived the war and became a “displaced person,” having no country to which to return. While working for an agency of the newly formed United Nations, Edith met and married another “displaced” Estonian, Henry Tanna – a marriage that would last 42 years until Henry’s death in 1989. Their first son, Peter, was born in Germany in 1948.
In 1949, Edith and her family were among the first families to be sponsored by the Catholic Relief Fund for emigration to America where they made their way to Grand Lake, Colorado, to work for their sponsoring family – the Holtzwarths – as ranch hands. Henry soon acquired employment with the Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company and they moved to Denver in 1950. Their second son, Tom, was born there in 1951. Edith worked as a bookkeeper for Denver Dry Goods Company and a major Denver bank during this time.
In 1955, Edith and Henry received full American citizenship – an achievement of which Edith was openly proud throughout her long life. Also that year Henry was transferred by his company and the family moved to Helena, Montana where Edith was hired as a part time bookkeeper with the Montana Club. Helena was now home forever.
Edith worked for the Montana Club for 31 years during which time she held various positions of responsibility, among them – financial administrator and general manager. She was a humble recipient of numerous awards and achievement recognitions such as the Governor’s Citation from Governor Ted Schwinden, an “Edith Tanna Day” proclamation from Helena Mayor Russ Ritter, and many awards and letters from the Montana Club Board of Governors.
In 1982, Steven Spielberg released his famous film, E.T., The Extraterrestrial. It immediately became one of Edith’s favorite movies and since her initials coincided with those of the adorable alien’s, she began introducing herself as “E.T.” and thanks to her friends and coworkers, the nickname stuck and she was known as E.T. from then on.
In 1986, Edith retired from the Montana Club but the idle life was not in her blood. She began her volunteer “career” with a local Human Rights organization and soon signed on with the Montana Talking Book Library. There she gained the admiration and friendship of her co-workers and staff for her tireless efforts and trademark “can do” attitude. “No task is too minimal” was her motto that she would repeat in her lifelong Estonian accent.
After nearly 20 year of volunteering, E.T. finally retired for good to enjoy the quiet life and good times with her many friends and family. In 2008 she moved to Son Heaven Assisted Living facility where she lived, laughed and loved for the last 7 years.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Henry in 1989, and her youngest son, Tom Tanna in 2014. She is survived by her son, Peter (Debbie) Tanna of Littleton, Colorado; daughter-in-law Cindy Hockenberry of Missoula; grandson Matthew Tanna of Missoula; granddaughter Amy Tanna of Fairbanks, Alaska; and brother Verner (Irmela) Orro of Sierra Vista, Arizona. In her heart she carried the love of her very special friend and caregiver Gloria Purcell, very special friends KittyAnn and Aavo Taaler. And she was ever thankful of her friends and staff at the Son Heaven facility.
Her journey ends but her legacy and memories live on. As we wait for E.T. to “phone home” we know she watches over us all.
Forever Estonian. Forever American. Forever E.T.
A memorial service celebrating Edith’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 8 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social center of the funeral home. A private family burial will take place at Forestvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Edith’s name are suggested to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 8, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Wednesday April 8, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 8, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Wednesday April 8, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bev Hill says
I first met Edith when I started my cleaning service. I continued a friendship with her over the years and especially enjoyed seeing her involved with the Talking Books Program. She was such a neat lady and so loved getting to know her.
Ken Dunham & Janelle Fallan says
We are deeply sorry to read of Edith’s passing. She a long and most interesting life. She was a stabilizing presence at the Montana Club for many years and her contributions to the management of the organization probably helped it stay in operation in more than a few tough times over the years. I remember more than once sitting at the club with Henry and Edith as they told stories of getting to America after WWII, and the pride they both had for Estonia and the USA. Our condolences to all her family.
Montana Club Board of Governors says
Even now, nearly 30 years after her 1986 retirement from the Montana Club, Edith Tanna’s work & dedication to the Montana Club remains the stuff of legend. Mrs. Tanna set exacting standards for the Club but did so with a deep regard for its Members & History. The Board of Governors, Management & Staff of the Club offer their sincere condolescences to her family & many friends.
Nancy Morgan says
Pete and Deb, So sorry to hear of your loss.
May your happy memories comfort you. Hugs to both of you, as I’m in Az. at this time. God bless.
Thomas & Julie Miller says
Pete
Sorry to hear of your loss of your Mom. I remember her well as your home was always inviting.
Tom
Bonnie Isaak says
Pete and Debbie, Sorry for you loss. It is always hard to loose a loved one but especially hard when it is your mom. you are in my thoughts . Bonnie