It is with profound sorrow we announce that Therese (Tese) Sullivan passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Tese was born in Butte, Montana on June 6th, 1938. She was the youngest of five children born to Daniel and Hannah Sullivan.
Tese began her strong commitment to education at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Butte. She attended Girls Central High School in Butte. Following High School, she began her journey as a nurse entering Carroll College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science. She then moved to Montana State University, graduating with a Masters in Nursing. She completed her final degree, achieving a Doctorate in Nursing, Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Washington.
She began her working career as Head Nurse for the VA Hospital in Fort Harrison, Montana. Her passion to teach took her to the Sacred Heart School of Nursing, Carroll College, Montana State University and the University of Utah. She later returned to Carroll College as the Chair of the Department of Nursing. Over the years, Tese spent countless hours instructing and giving back her extraordinary knowledge of the Nursing field. She always held a high regard for Carroll College, her students and colleagues.
Tese was preceded in death by both parents and her siblings; sisters Eileen and Marie, brothers Joe and James. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a brother-in-law, James Murray of Spokane, Washington. Tese spent most of her life in Helena, Montana and had many close friends. She cherished every moment that they were together.
The Family wishes thank the doctors and nurses at St. Peters Hospital and Rossetta Care Center for the exceptional care given to Tese. The Family would also like to thank Tese’s close friends Mary, Marilyn and Jan for your unconditional friendship and loyalty.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. Monday, April 7th at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. At Tese’s request, there will be a private graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Theresa’s name are suggested to Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena, MT 59601 or Carroll College, 1601 Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59625.
Joe and Mary Ann Baumgardner says
Therese was a beautiful soul and I gained much spirituality from her during our every Thursday lunches for the past 7 or more years. I also appreciate her efforts in getting the Nursing Program at Carroll College certified. Having left the Carroll Nursing Program after 2 years and attempting to complete a Nursing Program in Massachusetts in 1959, I was told that Carroll’s Nursing Program was not accredited and therefore I had to repeat many classes. Thanks to Therese , Nursing students at Carroll now receive an outstanding education. Therese has been a role model for me for many years. Bless her. Mary Ann and Joe Baumgardner
Marie (Mack) Tobin says
I am saddened to hear of Tese’s passing. I have loved her since I was a little girl. I grew up on North Franklin Street just a couple houses away from Tese, who sometimes babysat me. I spent a considerable amount of time at the family’s home on Woolman St, and adored Fr. Jim and Mrs. Sullivan, too. I was delighted to run into Tese when I moved to Helena about 20 years ago, and I always enjoyed our brief meetings. It occurred to me recently that I hadn’t seen her for some time, and I am very sorry that I didn’t know she was sick. She was a wonderful, wonderful woman, and I wish her family peace and comfort at this time.
Rita Cheek says
Theresa was an inspiration to me and many other nurses! Her passion for nursing and nursing history led me to a greater appreciation of the importance of the past (and past records) in shaping the future. She was very generous with her time and talents! She was always enthusiastic and very caring, particularly about nurses and nursing. In a variety of ways, Theresa made outstanding contributions to Zeta Upsilon, the Montana chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society for nursing. I enjoyed Theresa’s spirit and have fond memories of our times together. I will miss her! My heartfelt sympathy to her family. With love, Rita Cheek
John and Aggie Frankino says
We have so many happy memories of Tese and the Sullivan family. She was an outstanding and accomplished woman and will be missed. Our condolences to your family.
John and Aggie Frankino
Meg Walsh Cech says
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Tese’s family. She was a very special intelligent woman. She will be missed. I have wonderful memories of Hannah and Tese and how kind they were to my mother and to me when I was a kid in Butte. Best wishes to the family. Meg and Mike Cech/Bozeman
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
So sorry to hear of Theresa’s passing. I worked with Theresa at Carroll College for a number of years. She was a very nice person to work with and to converse with. My prayers go out to the Sullivan family. Rest in Peace, Tese.
Matt & Mary