Tessa Nye Bradt

VICTOR - Tessa Nye Bradt passed away peacefully at home in Victor, Montana, on February 3, 2023.

She was born on June 12, 1944, in Seattle, Washington, to the late William and June Nye. Tess graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1962 and moved to Montana shortly after to attend college. She studied art with an emphasis in pottery at the University of Montana where she met Bill Bradt, with whom she married and had two sons.

Her love of the outdoors and animals was unsurpassed. She would take in dogs, cats, horses, cows, chickens, and any number of less common pets on her small ranch throughout the years. She enjoyed their endless company and the process of caring for them. Tess began hunting in earnest in her middle age. She was adamant about getting her elk each year, and rarely failed. Hiking deep back in, camping at a high mountain wilderness lake, defined her.  Fishing was her true passion. She loved to fish with family and friends, but wouldn’t hesitate to go out on her own, hauling her boat and camping. She would often fish until dark and start at dawn again the next day. One of her favorite places to visit was Brown’s Lake. (Other favorite fishing spots remain a family secret.)

Tess was a beloved member of the Victor community. She was involved in almost every aspect of the small town during her years of serving as an EMT with the ambulance, running the ski club program, and working at the Victor School for more than 40 years. As the office secretary and registrar, she interacted with almost every family in the community and had the opportunity to serve multi-generations of students. She so enjoyed visiting with the staff and kids that she continued to substitute well after her retirement.

Tess was especially close with her two sons, Dave and Mike. Their families were blessed to have her close by throughout the years for family gatherings and holidays. Christmas was a particular favorite of hers, because she found great joy in giving; however, the greatest gift she gave was always being their steadfast mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She passed along her love and knowledge of the great outdoors to each generation.

Tess is survived by her two sons, David (Jolene) Bradt of Florence, and Michael Z. (Dora) Bradt of Stevensville; four grandsons Daniel Z. Bradt, Michael W. (Mackenzie) Bradt, Garrison Bradt, and Kellen Bradt; one great-grandson, Raphael T. Bradt; her brother William (Sally) Nye of Priest River, Idaho; and two nieces Julie Nye and Betsy Nye.

Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing for outdoor adventures even through the last weeks of her life. She was always up for a fishing trip and "one last cast.”

Funeral services will be held at Victor High School Auditorium on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 11:00 am (viewing 9:30-10:30 am).  Interment to follow at Riverview Cemetery, then a reception at Daly Leach Chapel, both in Hamilton.

Memorials may be made to the Bitter Root Humane Society, 406-802-2238. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

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