Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Theresa M. Colley

July 4, 1980 – February 21, 2012

On February 21, 2012 Theresa (Nistler) Colley passed into the loving arms of our Lord. She was Joe and Roxie Nistler’s fifth child in a family of eight. On July 4, 1980, Theresa was born at St. Peter’s Hospital. The fireworks that marked her entrance were an indication of the person she would become.

Theresa possessed an enthusiasm and zest for life that spread contagiously to all those around her. Her quick smile and laugh filled a room with energy to live life to the fullest. Local hikers could hear her delightful squeals as she screamed down the Helena bike trails or could find her tearing up the slopes of Big Sky. Theresa seized every opportunity to see and live the beauty of life.

In 2004, Theresa was diagnosed with Leukemia (AML). After a desperate fight lasting six months, she miraculously recovered to add seven adventurous years to her life. She competed in multiple triathlons and scaled mountains in Montana, Peru and Alaska. The greatest adventure awaited her when she married John Colley in 2008. Theresa and John honeymooned skiing in the French Alps. In 2010, the couple traveled to New Zealand for a year, but were cut short by the arrival of twin girls, Anya and Colette. Theresa and John knew these girls were an incredible gift from God; after the intense chemotherapy Theresa received it was unlikely she could bear children.

While training for a Half Ironman in June 2011, Theresa’s leukemia relapsed. After exhausting all possible treatments, she was sent home to enjoy her last days. Eight days before she died, Theresa and John taught their 2-year-old twins how to ski at Discovery. The days that preceded her passing were spent at St. Peter’s Hospital with John, the twins, and her family. Upon entering the room one could find Theresa and the twins playing hide-and-seek under a blanket or roaring like lions. Giggles, squeals and animal noises escaped from her bedroom to delight the ears of the nurses and doctors. Anya and Colette were her greatest joy.

Theresa’s pure and beautiful soul will be remembered and missed by all who loved her. She is survived by her husband, John Colley; twin daughters, Anya and Colette; parents, Joe and Roxie Nistler; and siblings: Allison (Shannon) Bell; Gabe (Sommer) Nistler; Matt (Carolyn) Nistler; Maria (Pat) Leahy; Ben Nistler, Margaret (Alex) Frei, and Joey Nistler; as well as 20 nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a thank you to Dr. Tom Weiner and his Oncology Department at St. Peter’s Hospital for their hard work and special friendships.
There will be a rosary prayed at St. Helena Cathedral Monday, February 27th at 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the Brondel Center.

In lieu of flowers, please go enjoy the great outdoors as Theresa would have loved. But if you feel compelled, donations will be accepted in Anya and Colette’s name at Mountain West Bank. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. I will always remember Theresa’s bright, infectious smile and passion for life. My prayers go out to John, Anya, Collete and Theresa’s extended family. Peace to you all.

  2. Theresa, your joyful spirit and love for life and the outdoors will not be forgotten! Thank you for your beautiful Catholic witness. We love you dearly and will continue to pray for you and your family.

  3. We are so very saddened by this news. Please know that we will continue to pray for Theresa and all your family.

  4. DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER,
    THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIPIN WHICH I SHARED WITH THERESA. I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE SEEN YOUR IMAGE OF BEAUTY,COURAGE AND CREATION IN HER. PLEASE COMFORT HER FAMILY, CHILDREN, FRIENDS AND ALL THOSE WHO WERE SO BLESSED BY HER LIFE. OUR LADY OF SORROWS COMFORT US AND GIVE US STRENGTH. AMEN

  5. Theresa was just a delightful girl and we have very fond memories of her as she was a large part of our lives in 4H and as neighbors. Her spirit will live on through her family. We extend our condolences to Theresa’s immediate family and her parents and sibilings.

  6. Dear Colley and Nistler Families, I’m sorry for your lose. When I knew Theresa at the Morning Light, she was a vibrant, loving, and joyous person. I am happy for her health in the subsequent years, but greatly saddened by her loss. What a brave women. I will remember her warmly and keep Joe and the twins in my thoughts.

  7. We are so sadden to hear that Theresa pasted..she was such a wonderful young lady. God be with the family.. God Bless

    Bob and Mary Mangold

  8. John my thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters. I am truly sorry for your loss, may God give you strength to lean on your family and friends during this time. Brook

  9. Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus, Theresa. Prayers and blessings to John, Collette, Anya and the Nistler family.

  10. John and Family –

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Theresa sounded like an amazing woman. Take care – you are all in my thoughts.

    Colette

  11. For all of Theresa’s dear family, please accept my deepest sympathy and empathy for the passing of Theresa.

    Connie

  12. Rest in joy and peace.
    Thank you for sharing your radiance…the world was brighter when you were here. Pray for us in like vigilance and Grace in the example of your parents from your home with our Beloved Lord.

  13. John, Joe and Roxie, and family – May the Lord send his Comforter to be with you in the coming days and months. We will all miss Theresa’s smile, love, and contagious enthusiasm. Theresa may be gone from our presence, but her spark lives on in the lives of Anya and Collette. Our prayers are with you.

  14. Anya (8) and Xander (11) had the incredible privilege of having Theresa (and sometimes John) as a baby sitter for the summer several years ago. They still talk about her as their absolute most favorite sitter ever. We love that one of Theresa’s daughters has our daughter’s name, too. Theresa brought such incredible joy to our household and she had the most amazing sparkle in her eyes. Her love of life was so infectious and we feel so lucky to have known her for the time that we did. We all send our love to John and the girls and the rest of Theresa’s family. She will be greatly missed.

  15. Dear John, girls and Nistler family. We are so very sorry for the loss of such a beautiful person. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hands.

  16. While I did not know Theresa, I would see her at the Cancer Treatment Center while my husband was receiving treatment, also for AML. You have my deepest and heartfelt condolences for your loss. Theresa always had a smile and spoke with such joy about her 2 little girls.

  17. To the many one degree away from me and who will miss Theresa dearly, please accept my sincere condolences.

  18. John, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Theresa. We are Karen Sievers’ (one of the gals who rents your house) parents. Karen has been telling us of Theresa, and her illness, and she’s been in our prayers, as well as you and the twins. May God comfort you and hold you all in His loving arms.
    Ken and Georgina Sievers, Portland, Oregon

  19. Theresa was such a model of joy and love in the short time she was here in Idaho. Sending prayers for the family. God bless.

  21. Our thoughts and prayers are going out to John, the Nistler family, and to John and Theresa’s beautiful daughters. I have many great memories of Theresa from our childhood years, and I know that she had grown to become an amazing mother and wife. I thought often of Theresa during her battle and I am honored to have known such a courageous woman!

  23. “Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy”
    Eskimo Proverb
    I am blessed to have know Theresa Nistler Colley~

  24. Yesterday, at the Helena Airport, when I was thinking of Theresa(Pilot) and our flight together in the Cessna 150 over the Bob Marshall Wilderness where she was to hike with her (then) boy friend, John Colley~

    …in the midst of a wild wind, sleet and snow storm…there was a brilliant rainbow~

  25. John and family we are so sorry hear about ur loss. If u need anything please let us know. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  26. Father- Please envelope Theresa’s little ones, husband, and family in your loving and gracious arms and give them the peace that only You can provide… That passes all understanding.

  27. Theresa was given her life back after her 1st fight with leukemia…and what a life she lived! She enjoyed and lived more than most people do in an 80 year lifespan. What a blessing to have Anya and Collette to keep her life and memory alive! Our prayers are with you all…

  28. We are heartbroken to hear down here in New Zealand of the death of Theresa. We feel blessed to have had the joy of meeting this courageous and beautiful young lady. Our hearts and prayers go to you John, your little girls and all the Nistler family. Our Deepest Sympathy to you all
    Jill & Ian Singers NZ

  29. John,

    We are so sorry to hear about your beautiful wife’s passing, please accept our deepest sympothy we are praying for you and your girls…that God will hold and comfort you in your time of need. God Bless! All our Love;Dad and Donna

  30. I was so sad to hear of Teresa’s passing. She was such a beautiful person and truly full of zeal and faith! She was such a great example to Jim and I to say the least. I know she will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her, but most by her loving family. We will continue to pray for your strength in this great trial. May Our Bl. Mother keep you close to Her Immaculate Heart.

  31. It is amazing that the sun still comes up when it seems as though time should stand still in the midst of our grief. How do we question a loving Father in whom we put our trust? We know that Heaven is rejoicing, but we are still here and living and breathing and MUST continue to live each day. This will not be an easy walk for all of you, but you will survive one day and minute at a time. Give each other grace to grieve in their own way, without time limits. Let our Lord hold you in His Loving Arms. Peace to your family. Joanie Werner

  32. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Joe and Roxie. It has to be simply awful to lose a child with such enthusiasm for life. Your twin grandchildren will definitely have an angel watching out for them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  33. I have never met Theresa, but have learned about her through my sister, Jeanne. I am awed by her beauty and courageous approach to life. My heart goes out to you and your incomprehensible loss.

    Joy

  34. John, Anya and Collette, We are so sorry to learn of your loss, but we are so delighted that you were blessed by Theresa through all of the amazing adventures you shared together. Theresa was a wonderful person and mother and we feel lucky to have known her the bit we did through Chris and Zoe.

  35. My prayers are with all of you, Joe and Steve, for this deep lost. May your faith see you through all the valleys and the mountains.
    Love always…

  36. My sister, Kristen Larson, has told me so many wonderful stories of Theresa and her struggle that I feel like I grew to know her personally. Her bravery and personal strength will forever be a source of inspiration to me and my family. Our deepest sympathies to you John, your beautiful twins, Joe, Roxie and the whole Nistler family. – from Karen Larson, Kolya, Alexey and Roman

  38. John,
    You and your precious little girls are in my thoughts today. I wish you all the strength you need to grieve and continue to be the best father that you are. I am truly sorry for your loss. I miss you and am thinking of you often.
    Kristen

  39. To the Nistler family and the Colley family~ You are in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers.

  40. I am so sorry to hear of Theresa’s death. John, I am praying for you and your family.
    PEace,
    Lorie Temple

  41. Thank you Theresa for sowing seeds of love in this life, I believe we shall see the wildflower meadow our Lord grew from those seeds in heaven! I am praying for all the family.

  42. We are so saddened by Theresa’s death. It was our great privilege to meet Theresa & Jon thru marriage prep at the Cathedral. Our prayers are with all of you. She will be greatly missed.

  43. Colley and Nistler Families,

    We are so sorry for the lost of Theresa. May God hold you close to Him and you find comfort in His presence.

    With sincere sympathy.

    Mary and Tim

  44. “Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.”
    I am sorry to hear about your loss John. I pray for you and your family. Your beautiful girls have an incredible father, who will share with them their loving mother’s delights.

  45. I am very sorry about your loss. I didn’t know Theresa personally but those that did speak highly of her. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.

  46. Colley Family & Friends we are thinking of you in this difficult time. Theresa will be forever in your memories and your heart. Remember the happy times. And know that the Guardian Angels will keep her safe until you meet again.
    Mike & Mary Root

  47. Theresa lit up everyone’s morning at Morning Light many times over. She was such a go-getter and had an outrageous zest for life that really was nothing but contagious. She will be greatly missed in the Helena community and beyond.

  48. Dear Nistler Family ~

    We are so sorry to hear of Theres’s passing. She was a beautiful and fun loving person.

    Our sympathy and Prayers go out to all of you. May you treasure all your memories and help you heal in time.

    May God Bless You,
    Pam & Charlie Brown
    Helena, MT

  49. John, you are in my thoughts and prayers always and I’m glad that you and Teresa were my neighbors. Best wishes, Pat Johnson

  50. Dear Joe, Roxie and family,
    So saddened to hear of the loss of your lovely daughter. Loosing one of your children has to be one of the hardest trials in life. We did not know Theresa but she sounds like she was a wonderful gift from God. How wonderful that she left two little ones for you to watch over. May god be with you in this time of great loss.
    Thinking and praying for you,
    Paula and Tim Downey

  52. Theresa you were a true inspiration and the type of person we should all aspire to be. Thoughts and prayers to your family.

  53. I am Jeanne MacPherson’s mother from Bozeman. I met all of you last year at Spring Meadow’s triathelon. Jeanne has kept me in the loop on Theresa. I am on the prayer line for our parish of Resurrection and we have been praying for you all.
    You can be assurrd that a chorus of angels met Theresa to take her to heaven. Her memory will be eternal.
    In God’s love,
    Susan MacPherson

  54. May the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ hold you as he is holding Theresa. May you be at peace knowing Theresa in the presence of Christ who loves you all.
    Have been remembering your family at daily Mass, rosaries and Chaplet of Mercy for the last few months. Will continue to remember you all.
    Love and Prayers
    Ron, Sue Dick and Family
    (the rosary lady)

  58. We celebrate what a thoroughly faith-filled and passionate woman Theresa is and will always be in our memories! Our prayers extend to all those who love her and grieve our loss of her in this life.

  59. John,girls, and Nistler family,
    You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will all truly miss Theresa’s cheerful laugh and loving smile. I will never forget the wonderful times we had growing up. Camping at Heart Lake and picking huckleberries in the “special spot”, playing basketball, and going skiing. Our prayer is that you find comfort in Gods arms knowing that he has her in the palm of His hand were there is no more pain and suffering.
    We look forward to seeing again Theresa:) Trinity and Paige

  60. Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Nissler and Colley families this week. We are so sorry for your loss.

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