Tawnie M. Twist

Hamilton - Tawnie Michelle Twist, 30, of Hamilton passed away at her home on Sunday January 21st, 2018.  She passed away peacefully after a very tremendously hard fought battle against Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes.

Tawnie was born in Missoula, MT on May 30th, 1987. The daughter of Robert M. Twist and Michelle L. Twist (Rose). Tawnie was raised in the Bitterroot and this was her home.

Tawnie is survived by her father Robert, mother Michelle, step father George Borgen and 7 year old daughter Chloee Nikole Raymond, her maternal grandparents, John and Sandy Rose and her brother Joshua (Rhoda) from Boise, ID. Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and pooches. She is also survived by her great grandma Sue Rose who is 98 years old.

Her best friend Taylor sums Tawnie up best: Trying to find the right words in the face of grief is impossible. So here's my best attempt to do that for anyone who loves Tawnie, misses her, for those who feel like they used to know her but lost touch, even for those of you who didn't know her and still have a sadness for the loss of her.

Tawnie showed me that the quality of your friends is much greater than the quantity. She knew time was precious so she had no time for people who couldn't make time or who didn't use theirs wisely. She taught me that there is very little in our day to day problems, that is actually relevant. That having people that love you is life's greatest blessing. She knew that being beautiful on the outside meant nothing if you didn't have a big heart or a loving soul. She was blessed with all three. She believed that every animal was worthy of saving and love. She loved that compliments to a stranger could make their day or change their life. She knew how to fiercely love with no apologies. She knew when to admit her faults, even when she hated it. She was the strongest person I knew but not because she could put on a brave face and pretend it was going to be ok but because she could admit her fears and face them anyway. She knew music, popsicles, puppy snuggles and hot showers (like melt your skin off hot) were better than any medicine. She knew how to flood our Facebook feed with recipes that made us all hungry and raised our cholesterol just by looking at them. She showed me that you are never your illness, that your character is defined by how you rise above a diagnosis and defy the odds. She was fluent in sarcasm, cursing and movie quotes which meant even the saddest moments had some kind of irony and a quote that was perfect for the situation. And even on the darkest days, when the tears flowed and the fear was present she would still try to make YOU feel better. She was selfless, honest, beautiful, generous, kind and genuine. I implore everyone to save your tears and do something that she would have loved. Roll your window down and crank the music, buy coffee for the person behind you in line, cheer for the Broncos even if they aren't your team, compliment a stranger, color in your coloring book, volunteer at an animal shelter, tell your Mom how amazing she is and how much you love her, tell everyone how much you love them. Close your eyes and let the warm sun soak into your skin. And if nothing else, be grateful. For your health, your kids, your family, the air in your lungs, the pain in your heart, for everything life has blessed with you with and let everything else go. Don't just do it for her, do it for you. Find the good, be the good and live...live like Tawnie would. With kindness, love and an open heart.

This summer when the sun is shining and wind is warm A Celebration of Life will be held for everyone who knew and loved Tawnie!  Details will appear on Facebook as it nears. The family suggests that memorials be made to The Bitterroot Humane Society.   

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