Theresa A. Harding
Theresa A. (Hellmann) Harding, 82, died of natural causes Sunday, Sept. 4, in Helena.
Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, followed by a reception at the church.
Theresa passed away peacefully in the loving arms of Jesus surrounded by her family.
Theresa was born Sept. 17, 1928, in Love Joy, Mont., the ninth of 14 children born to Catherine and Jacob Hellmann. She lived in Harlem, Mont., until the age of 15, when the family moved to Hamilton, Mont.
She married at the age of 17 and had three beautiful children; Elaine, Tina and Arthur. She was married for 20 years, then divorced in 1966. She was single for nine years. During this time she had numerous jobs and the majority involved the preparation of serving food. Theresa worked at the St. John’s hospital until 1972. She also enjoyed working at Thurber Printing Shop for a few years. She enjoyed flowers, animals, shopping, home decorating and her strong faith in God. Theresa had such a strong compassionate love for family and friends. They returned her loving ways and cared for her until the final hour.
Theresa met and married the love of her life, Robert C. Harding, in 1975. They were married for 23 wonderful years. She lost her husband and best friend in 1998.
She is survived by her daughters, Elaine Siegel of Helena and Tina (Guy) Clark of Fernley, Nev.; son, Art (Lonyta) Krantz Jr. of Billings, Mont.; stepson, Charles (Sheila) Harding of Florence, Mont.; two sisters, Marie Gratz of Helena and Dorothy (James) Burtch of Townsend; her two brothers, Willie Hellmann of Chinook and Irvin Hellmann of Mesquite, Nev.; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Bob; parents, Catherine and Jacob; brothers, Raymond, Julius, Vern and Merle; and sisters, Cecelia, Josey and Francei.
Memorials in the donor’s name may be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s, c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, 59601 or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society: P.O. Box 4455 Helena, 59604.
Condolences may be posted online at www.aswfuneralhome.com
Beverly Bilyeu-Carkeek says
In recent years, Tom & I lived miles away, but Theresa always remained in my heart as a truly wonderful friend & second “mom”. I lived next to her when I was new to Helena & fresh out of college(1974); she opened her heart and home to me; her generosity & love was unconditional and she taught me so much; she understood we all have failings, but always remained nonjudgemental. When I last spoke to her a few months after Xmas, she was ready to go home. I’ll miss her being with us on Earth, but know she’ll be waiting to greet us in Heaven with a laugh & a big hug. Our condolences to her family. Bev Bilyeu-Carkeek & Tom Carkeek
Cassie and Thomas Snooks says
There were many years spent apart from my aunt Theresa but I never once did not think of her as my aunt. I remember being little and spending a lot of time around her and Bob and also boots their dog. Granted I was young and don’t remember alot of the details from that time but I always remember feeling safe at her house. Aunt Theresa, you will be missed greatly! We love you!
Cassie and Thomas
COLLEEN HALLBERG says
Theresa was one of my favorite people. She could always make me laugh and now she is making the Angels laugh. I’ll miss her.
Daniel and Tilly Pocha says
Denise, We are so srry for the loss of your Grandmother. I remember when you would take with her on the Phone; you would always have a special smile on your face and talk so highly of her. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Daniel and Tilly
Tom and Katie Roberts says
Some people come into our lives for awhile and leave, and others like Theresa come into our lives and when they leave they leave an imprint in our hearts forever. Living next door to Theresa and Marie for the last 8 years has been a blessing. You couldn’t ask for better neighbors and friends. Tom will miss “his girl” and I will miss our girly chats. Plant those flowers girl and we’ll see you when we come home. PS We will look after Marie.
VICKI OSWALD says
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.I MET THERESA WHEN I CAME TO HELENA WITH GREG (HELLMAN).
Denise Cook says
Grandma Terry was one of the kindest people you could know. She welcomed friends, family and neighbors into her home. Grandma taught me about plants and how to make things grow. She and I had many things in common, from shopping for clothes and jewelry, to watching and identifying birds. I am so fortunate to have been able to visit with and get to know my Grandma, especially into my 40’s. Grandma Terry and her sister Marie were two very special people, not just in my life, but they touched many lives and left many with smiles on their faces and a full belly. I enjoyed many meals with Terry and Marie, eating veggies grown by their loving hands. The sisters also welcomed many four-legged creatures into their home. Other than the dog that was Terry’s mother-in-law’s and then her husband Bob’s, all the other dogs that stayed or lived with Terry and Marie belonged to someone else. Grandma used to say she wanted to be like Jesus and “Love ‘em all”. She and Bob used to take me traveling around the state when I was a child. As an adult, I spent time with them and Bob and Terry always made me feel welcome. After Bob died and Marie and Terry shared a house, I was envious of the relationship that the sisters had. They were each other’s caretakers and confidants. Marie took care of her sister until Terry died and then Marie was not the same without her sister. I have peace knowing that Terry and Marie are now enjoying a big meal with their siblings while Willie is playing the accordion and all are dancing and singing with the angels.
Jayden says
I can already tell that’s gonna be super heulflp.