Thea Margaret (Westre) Swenson passed away at home on January 21, 2024, with her daughters present.
Born December 4, 1930, at home on a ranch outside Big Timber, Thea was the daughter of Jacob B. and Mary M. (Hiner) Westre. She grew up in the Big Timber area and graduated from Sweet Grass County High School. Thea received her bachelor’s degree and did graduate work at Montana State University in Bozeman where she joined Kappa Delta sorority and was a member of Spurs. She went on to teach business subjects at the high schools in Belt and Deer Lodge and the Vo-Tech and Capital High School in Helena.
Thea met the love of her life, Murray L. Swenson, in 1954. They were married in June 1956 and moved to Seattle where their first daughter, Teri, was born in 1958. The family returned to Montana and lived briefly in Lewistown before settling in Helena in 1961 where their second daughter, Karen, was born. Murray designed and built the home they shared for the next 60 years. Widowed in 2018, Thea moved to Touchmark senior living apartments in 2020 to join her many friends.
Thea was an active volunteer and often put her skills to use as secretary/treasurer of many community organizations including Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, WELCA, Sons of Norway, Retired Teachers Association and others. After retirement Thea and Murray traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico by motor home. They also made several trips to Norway to visit relatives. Her hobbies included reading, skiing, Hardanger embroidery and playing bridge. She particularly enjoyed singing in the church choir. Thea continued to teach, tutoring children who were learning to read.
Thea was preceded in death by her beloved husband Murray, her parents, older sister Emma Knighton and younger sister Joan Marlow. She is survived by her children, Teri Yeager (Theron), Karen Meick (Joe), two granddaughters Emily Meick (James Chandler) and Roslyn Yeager and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be especially missed by her constant companion in recent years, her cat Missy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church on Monday, January 29th, at 10:00am, followed by a coffee hour in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Thea will be buried next to Murray in a private ceremony at Montana State Veterans Cemetery – Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Redeemer’s, an animal rescue organization, or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday January 29, 2024
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the Service
Monday January 29, 2024
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
Helena, Montana 59602
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Rick Elhart says
Thea Wow you were an impact player in life. We so much enjoyed life with you at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church! We are praying for your family as they mourn your loss and celebrate a life well lived!
Rick and Susie
The Elharts
Troyetta Kuchera says
Swenson Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of your Mom and Dad, having lived next door to them for so many years. After I moved away and would come back to visit my family, they would often open their front door and wave me over for a short hello and visit. I have really missed that since your Mom moved. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Troyetta
Jody Stromberg Sandru says
I loved Mrs. Swenson as my Sunday School teacher at Our Redeemers. I always found comfort when she was near. Much sympathy to her family❤️
Vicki Andre says
Mrs. Swenson was my commercial typing teacher when I attended Capital High School. She was a talented and caring educator. Sending sympathy to her lovely family.
Wanda (Whitley) Arlint says
So sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful lady. She was my typing teacher at Capital High School. She encouraged me and opened doors to opportunity that I had not thought of. I am still using the skills she taught me.
Louise Beighle says
Murray was my husband’s close friend from Deer Lodge. I was her Student at Powel Co High School. We continued to be friends for all these Years. As I age, I find the most difficult part is losing old friends. Karen and Teri, I will think of your family, often. Louise Beighle
Karen Eggan Jacobson says
I student taught under your mom and have many positive memories of her as my mentor!!! I grew up a few blocks down the street on Washington so we all shared a great neighborhood to grow up! My sincere condolences on the loss of your mom.
Tracie Shepherd says
Teri I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was always so kind and welcoming. I know my dad thought highly of both your folks. May your memories give you comfort. Sending you hugs.
Connie Cullen Lange says
Teri, Karen and family, I was so sad to see this day come. Your mother meant the world to me, as you know. When Teri and I became fast friends in seventh grade at Helena Jr. High, I soon became a regular at the Swenson house. Thea and Murray always welcomed me warmly in the beautiful home that Murray built. I was so fascinated with the house itself; I had never been in a tri-level home before! In the summers that followed, I was invited along for tent trailer camping. I thought that tent trailer was just fantastic, along with the meals cooked on the campfire by Thea.
After I graduated from college and moved to Seattle, I would look up Murray and Thea when in Helena visiting my folks. When dad and Ruth moved to Hunters Pointe in 2019, I stayed with Thea. We had some wonderful talks when I would arrive in the evening after a long day of packing. It was like coming home from a date and talking to mom! And who could forget Thea’s broken wrist incident in 2020!
After Thea moved to Touchmark, I always enjoyed stopping by to see her and Missy. (Missy didn’t like it quite as much, because a few times I came to take her to the vet!) Thea was so gracious, knowledgeable, interesting, and most of all, caring. What a wonderful and adventurous life she had; she was a blessing to all those who knew her. I will miss her dearly.