On the afternoon of November 15, 2018, our beloved Theresa passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Helena, MT. She was in the presence of her family as she continued her journey to her heavenly home. Theresa proudly lived in Scobey, MT. with family & friends for the past 61 years.

Theresa was born in Ward County, North Dakota, on April 17, 1927. She was the first daughter of Nick and Marion Filzen. Her sister, JoAnne followed on January 10, 1936 to complete their family.
Theresa grew up and received her education in Minot, ND. She graduated from Model High School in the spring of 1945. Then, she attended the nursing program at St. Joseph’s in Minot. It is here, Theresa began her lifelong passion of caring for others. After finishing nursing school she traveled to the West Coast to start her nursing career. She briefly returned to Minot to care for her mother & continue her career before moving to Williston, ND.
While working in Williston ND at Mercy Hospital, Theresa met the love of her life, Joe Anderson. Theresa & Joe were married on July 7, 1956 in Glendive MT.

In 1957 they moved to Scobey, MT, where Theresa continued her nursing career & the couple started their family. On January 7, 1958, Joseph Patrick was born, and soon after on Sept. 6, 1959 Mary Katherine was born.

Theresa was infinitely proud of her two children. She was known for her unconditional love & support of her family. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Her biggest belly laughs and happiest moments came at the hands of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her family, Theresa’s nursing career gave her a great sense of fulfillment & satisfaction. She loved helping and serving others as a compassionate and humble nurse.. As her children, we remember several occasions when she would be called into surgery to assist Dr. Norman, Dr. Fitz or Dr. Listerud. This part of Theresa’s nursing career was especially rewarding for her. Her eyes lit up, many times, when people came up and thanked her for being their nurse.

Besides her family and nursing career, Theresa worked hard and found joy in serving her friends, family & community with her many talents. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and getting out of the house to socialize with others. Many have fond memories of enjoying food prepared and served by Theresa. She also enjoyed bowling, darting and friendly banter. Over the years she made lasting memories with her family & friends. Many of these stories still live on today.

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Anderson, her parents, Nick and Marion Filzen, and her sister JoAnne Brice.

Theresa is survived by her son Pat (Brenda) Anderson of Scobey, her daughter Mary (Dave) Smith of Helena. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Nicole (Nicholas) Hash and Justeen Leibach of Helena, MT, two step-grandchildren, Kurtis (Meghan) Weltikol, and Nicole Weltikol, of Billings, MT. She is survived by 3 great grandchildren, Emery Hash and Madison Hash of Helena, and Ezra Weltikol of Billings, MT. The entire family feels extremely blessed to have had Theresa serve as a guiding light & strong foundation for so many years.

Memorial Contribution