Teresa Melvin, 84, of Helena, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 3, after a battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and friends until the end.
Terry, a native of Helena, was born on March 15, 1939. The only daughter of Hugh and Hilda Potter, she grew up next door to her father’s family home and followed in his footsteps as a student at Hawthorne School. She graduated from Helena High School and Montana State University from the School of Art and Architecture.
As a small child, Terry always had a pencil in her hand and spent time drawing. Her parents encouraged her artistic talent, which led to her work cropping up around Helena. Examples include the horse which stood in the window of DeVore’s Saddlery and the etching of the Firetower for the City of Helena’s logo.
After graduating from MSU, Terry moved to Great Falls, where she started her career as an artist and art teacher at East Junior High School. It was there where she met Paul Melvin, and they married in Helena in 1962. They left for New Orleans, LA, where Paul began medical school at Tulane University, and Terry continued her art and teaching careers. Terry and Paul returned to Montana in 1971 and raised their family in Great Falls.
Terry is survived by her husband, Paul (Helena); their children Sheila Habeck (Bob), John Melvin (Wendy), and Mickey Campbell (Chris); and their grandchildren, Colin and Keaton Habeck, and Addie and Porter Melvin.
She brought significant joy, color, and beauty to this world as an artist, wife, mother, friend, patron, “dog mom,” and giver to those near and far.
A memorial service is set for July 2, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at the Delta Hotel in Helena. In place of flowers, the family requests donations to Montana State University’s School of Art and Architecture, Cheever Hall, 217, Bozeman, MT 59717.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:30 p.m.
Sunday July 2, 2023
Delta Hotel
2301 Colonial Dr.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:30 p.m.
Sunday July 2, 2023
Delta Hotel
2301 Colonial Dr.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Sue Jackson says
Terry was my very first friend when our family moved to Helena in March of 1953. We lived just down the alley from the Potters near Hawthorn School. She was kind to me as a newcomer and she remained supportive through high school. Our friendship picked up again when they moved back to Helena. She was a bright flame, beautiful, creative and eager to participate in life. She’ll be sadly missed. Sue Jackson
Doris Romanisko says
Paul and Family. I was saddened to learn of Terry’s passing. As the former Director of SPH Foundation, I remember well her generosity and artistic gifts. Her birds were perfect! She will live on in her artwork and her generous soul.
Kristie Wolter says
I have fond memories of Terri and Paul and still cherish the bunny she painted for Nathan when he was born. She was a treasure in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. She will live on through her artwork in our home and so many other places.
Debi Maurer says
I worked with Dr. Melvin transcribing. I remember Terry well. She did beautiful art work
Sending hugs and blessings
Peg Nimmick says
I enjoyed Terry at MSU’s 9 class reunion last June & sending her photos of our banquet & AOPi house tour. I was delighted to discover we were sorority sisters. She was a special person.
Heidi LePard says
I enjoyed biking with Terry up at Showdown during the annual passholder picnic. she was always a delight to be around- so happy, interested, & fun. May your many wonderful memories, as well as her beautiful artwork, be a comfort to you all.
Dale & Vonnie Klungland says
Sending our thoughts and prayers to John,Wendy, Addie and Porter and all your families. Love and hugs!
Linda Bundi says
Dear Paul and family,
So sorry to read of Terry’s passing. The last time I saw her was when Bob & I were closing the Glass-Art Shop in August of 2020. Have many fond memories of having her as one of our artist show in our shop and also during the Russel Auction in room 178 at the Heritage Inn. Bob passed away in August of 2021 so I want to pass along my deepest sympathy . Peace to you all. Linda Bundi
Nikki Johnson says
Sheila, Paul and family- I am so sorry for your loss. Terry was such a kind soul, my mom cherished her 70 year friendship with Terry and she will be truly missed. Terry painted a sweet little lamb in watercolor for my daughter Deven when her daughter, Collins was born. It has a special place in Collins bedroom. Please take care and know my mom and I are thinking of all of you. Sincerely- Nikki Johnson
Crystal and Dave Shors says
Sheila and family,
Thinking of you and wishing you comfort.
Mary Lou Potts says
I met Terry through a mutual friend – resulted in taking care of dear Liffey while she & Paul went to Hawaii in February, 2019, in their very lovely home. How kind & appreciative of how I could help out. Wonderful people!!!
Howard and Janece Johnson says
We were saddened to learn of Terry`s passing. She gave much through her warm friendship and her art.
One of her paintings is prominent in our home . We are frequently reminded of her sensitive appreciation of the natural world.
Pat Mandeville says
I was so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. I lived next door to her and Paul for around 15 years. She was a very kind and cheerful neighbor. And what an artistic talent she had! Even her thank you notes with an illustration of a flower were worthy of framing. I moved from that neighborhood five years ago, but still thought often of her.
Judy Palmquist says
Although I knew Theresa very casually, usually at Crossroads, I enjoyed each encounter with her. She stood out with her friendliness and enjoyment of life. She truly enjoyed each day. Her talent and energy is evident in her art, as It was in the way she chose to live each day. Helena’s loss is Heaven’s gain.
Carol G Dagenais says
I was saddened to learn of Terry’s passing. She was always so happy to visit with my Terry and I when saw her at reunions. They shared a special bond with their HHS classmates named Terry! I will forever remember her special light, which she graciously shared with everyone she met. It’s hard to say “Farewell” to such a lovely friend.
Ann A Terry says
Sheila, so sorry to hear about your mothers passing. I know today is the memorial service. I’m thinking of you. I have two of your mothers watercolors hanging in my house in Denver, while my mother in Iowa City has several other of your mothers pieces. I know you lived in Iowa City for only a short time, but your mother is always so kind and pretty and fun to have next-door.