Therese "Tess" Mudd

“Tess” Mudd, (Marie Therese, Grandma Tessie) 90, of Sunsites, AZ went to her home with Jesus surely to be greeted by Ed and all those who have gone before her, on Wednesday, September 23, 2015. Tess was born in St Louis, Missouri, on July 4, 1925 – Her birthdays were always a celebration and her 90th was the “best party ever”. She was the youngest of seven children born to Albert and Melanie (Pravaz) Renard. She graduated in 1943 from Nerinx Catholic High School. All of her brothers and sisters preceeded her in death other than her older sister Maugie who recently celebrated her 99th birthday. On June 8, 1946, Tess married Joseph Edward Mudd in a ceremony performed by her uncle, Father Henri Renard. They were blessed with 10 children and 55 years of marriage. Tess was first and foremost a homemaker and mother, delighting in the job of raising her children. Their marriage took her and Ed from St. Louis to the mountains of Colorado and Montana and places between, following her husband’s dreams and efforts to support their large family. Faced with finding adequate housing to accommodate their large family through their frequent moves, Tess endured less than ideal conditions with happiness, making each home an adventure. She managed to find ways to help her family adapt to difficult and rudimentary conditions. They eventually settled in Helena, Mt where they built a home. When her youngest children were almost grown they moved to Bridger, Mt where she joined Ed in running Bridger Insurance Agency. In retirement they became snowbirds eventually moving permanently to Sunsites, AZ. Tess was an active member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Sunsites and was a founder and lifelong secretary of St. Vincent De Paul chapter. She was generous with her time and money, to her church and her community and was a devoted friend to many. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed barbeques, card games, telling stories, and joking with her friends. Fishing had been one of her favorite pastimes, especially alongside her children and grandchildren. Also, preceding her in death were her parents, husband; son, Matthew; and grandsons, Kevin and Daryl Mudd. She is survived by sons, Joseph (Patrice), Daniel (Lisa), Louis (Catharine), William, Thomas (Kathy), and Andy Mudd; daughters, Jeanie (John Townley) Mudd, Cathy (Marty) Mudd Lord, and Mary (Jay) Hayes; 26 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Catholic Church or St Vincent De Paul, P.O. Box 328 Pearce, Arizona 85625. Westlawn Chapel, westlawnchapelmortuary.com, is in charge of arrangements. (Condolences can be left at their website). Rosary will be offered 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Pearce/Sunsites. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. on Monday, September 28, 2015 at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Pearce Cemetery. Contributions may be made to either St. Vincent DePaul or St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church.

Therese "Tess" Mudd

July 4, 1925 - September 23, 2015