Theresa Marie Strizich (T-Doll) died Sunday, Father’s Day, June 19th, 2022, after living with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer four years earlier. She was 64, circled in the love of family and friends, near and far. Theresa belonged to five generations of Montanans where it began in the shadows of two Smelter Smoke Stacks. She was a “Montana Girl.”
Theresa, (Striz, Therese, T-Doll, Sweet T, Do-Do, Auntie T, Auntie Therese) was born in St. Louis, MO on February 1, 1958, to Eileen Strizich and Dr. John Strizich. There, John completed medical school and a residency in internal medicine. In 1960 they returned to MT after having 4 children before settling in Helena MT. There they had four additional children to complete the family. Theresa loved being from a large family and having seven siblings which gave her love, companionship, security, and sense of belonging.
She loved riding her horse Misty, her beloved Nonna, Italian meals with raviolis and sauce, freedom to wander the mountains, trips to the cabin, sunbathing on the roof, caring for her siblings, and hanging with the “Super Sonic Sound.”
After her dad’s death in 1995, and her mom’s death in 2000, her reliance and abiding love with her siblings deepened. Near the end of her life, she would return home to the spacious skies and mountains of MT to be with her family under the watchful eye of the “Sleeping Giant.”
Theresa graduated from Capital High School in 1976, attended Carroll College and at 19, she ventured to Seattle WA. where she would call home for the next 45 years. While there she attended Seattle Community College, received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington and eventually her Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She created her Seattle family with many coworkers and friends. Purple was Theresa’s favorite color. She volunteered with the homeless of Seattle, loved Siam’s Thai food on Broadway, adorned fabulous clothes as her sprit cast light rays on brilliant jewelry. She enjoyed bike riding the Burke Gilman Trail, cruising top down in her red convertible Porsche, deep sea fishing with her dad and siblings at Sekiu, WA and Surf and Turf at Aquas with coworkers. She loved traveling to Europe and the warmth of California and Hawaii.
She began her career in Seattle as a surgical technician at Northwest Hospital and Virginia Mason Medical Center. She then pivoted to dentistry where she first worked as a dental assistant with Dr. Wally Kegel DDS and Dr. John Hardwick DDS. In 2000 Theresa began working with Dr. Dale Bloomquist DDS, MS, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon where she worked as a Special Surgery Assistant for 22 years. She worked at both Swedish Hospital and Northwest Hospitals excelling at her job in ways her boss/friend said, “few others have been able.” She was a perfectionist, driven, independent, humorous, and compassionate.
Theresa was preceded in death by those she loved deeply: Eileen Strizich (Mom) and Dr. John Strizich (Dad), Olanda Vangelisti (Nonna), Claire Del Guerra (Auntie) and numerous other grandparents, uncles’, aunts. She is survived by her beloved siblings; John Strizich (Lynn), Katie Strizich, Margaret Brown (Charlie Brown), Greg Strizich (Mary Twordos), Tom Strizich (Colette), Andrea Strizich (Charlie Wellenstein) and Gemma Strizich. She is also the proud “Auntie” to numerous nieces and nephews she fondly called her “kids.”
Though the family will deeply miss her at this untimely passing they are grateful. The family would like to express their gratitude for 4 years of exceptional and compassionate care from the staff of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington Medical Center, and finally, St. Peters Health Hospice.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow. Donations in her name can be made to either St. Peters Health Hospice or Seattle Cancer care Alliance.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Saturday July 30, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday July 30, 2022
Social Hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Saturday July 30, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday July 30, 2022
Social Hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Traci Swingley says
To every Strizich family member, those I know well and those I don’t,
I wish you the warmth and light sent by your transformed angel as she forges the way on her new path. Eloquently beautiful in physical and spiritual, she transcends the pain of this earth bringing hope for those remaining on this side. Every single one of you carries a part of her as she gently waits for each puzzle piece to reunite and complete the beautiful picture. Godspeed your tears to be replaced by laughter, heavy hearts to be replaced by tender memories, sadness replaced by pure hope. The hope she provides is the bridge that joins. Faith, hope and love… and the greatest of these is love. May you feel the part of all three sent genuinely from a friend and a stranger all in one. – Traci
Nancy Mills Baylor says
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Theresa. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I have many fond childhood memories of her and the whole Strizich family . My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. May you Rest In Peace Theresa! 🙏❤️
Tim O'Leary says
To Andrea Tom and the Strizich family- so sorry for the loss of your sister. Sending you guys love.
Patrick Rieley says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the Strizich family always. Take good care.
Susan Clark Moran says
I didn’t know your Theresa, but I do have memories of the Strizich family…what a clan! Always in my heart is Dr John, most wonderful of doctors. I send condolences in this time of loss, just reading your dear sister’s obit, I can see that she was a person to be deeply loved, a woman who made others want to be better humans. May your memories bring a smile to temper the grieving at her passing. Bless you all.
Susan (Clark) Moran, formerly of Helena
Eileen Burgess Watson says
Even though I haven’t seen Theresa for several years, I can still hear her lovely voice, speaking and singing voice, resonating and blending with all of our young girl voices in our 2nd-5th grade band, the Super Sonic Sounds… Her laugh was contagious, and I will miss her smiling eyes, generous heart, and witty humor! To all of her family, and framily (friend-family), I send my deepest condolences, knowing that her strong sweet spirit carries on in all of us!
Shelly Hieber Dumas says
I’m so sorry to hear of Theresa’s passing. My Mom was a surgical nurse and worked with her for several years at Northgate Hospital (MANY years ago). My Mom loved her and often came home with funny surgery stories that included Theresa. I saw her at hospital parties and small gatherings of the surgery department and she was always so nice to me (and funny). She’s up in Heaven now with my Mom telling heavenly surgical stories again ❤
Tony strizich says
Rest in peace cousin I love you and always remember how sweet you were to me as a kid God Bless Theresa