Tina Danielson

Mary Bettina "Tina" Danielson passed away in her sleep at home on Wednesday night, June 5, 2024. Born on March 6, 1949, to Jack and Evelyn Hughes in Missoula, MT, Tina was 75 years old when she left us — a beautiful lady, inside and out, her entire life.

Tina married Phil Senechal shortly after high school. The couple shared their early years in Northern California while Phil served in the Coast Guard. They eventually returned to Missoula, where Tina attended the University of Montana while working as a waitress and fulfilling her role as a loving mother. Tina and Phil were married for 10 years.

In 1979, Tina married Bruce Danielson. They enjoyed 45 great years together, facing life's challenges with unwavering strength and devotion. At the time of their marriage, Bruce had a son, Mark, who had been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Tina embraced this challenge with a caring heart, making countless sacrifices to help care for her wheelchair-bound stepson until his passing in 1986. A year later, their son Cory was hit by a van while bike riding and was in a coma for 60 days, followed by seven months of rehabilitation. Through these difficult times, Tina remained a wonderful wife and a devoted mother.

Bruce and Tina shared many joyful activities over the years, with travel being one of their favorites. From Maine to California, Florida to Canada, they made many memories, but Hawaii held a special place in Tina's heart. She cherished their trips there with Bruce. Closer to home, Flathead Lake was her sanctuary. Always in flip-flops, Tina eagerly awaited summer to head up to the cabin, creating cherished memories with family and friends.

Tina's generosity extended beyond her family. She volunteered with the Grizzly Athletic Association, eventually joining the organization full-time. During her time at GAA, Tina became the most devoted Griz Fan, organizing and supporting many Griz tailgates over the years. Later, she took on a role at the Curry Health Center as a medical receptionist. Tina retired from the University of Montana in 2019, stepping into her favorite role as "Grandma." She was wonderfully devoted to her grandchildren, always ready to go anywhere and do anything for them.

Tina is survived by her loving husband, Bruce Danielson; brothers, Dick (Pam) Hughes and Bob Hughes; sisters, Linda Hughes and Lisa (Ed) Kemmick; and her six children, Jay (Dtaan) Kippen of Thailand, Leslee Kress, Christin Danielson, Ryan Senechal, Kelly (Jenny) Danielson, and Cory Danielson, all in Missoula. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Evelyn Hughes, and her stepson, Mark Danielson.

She is also survived by her nine beloved grandchildren, the lights of her life: Blake, Bridger, and Bryce Danielson, Cooper and Colton Kress, Mary Senechal, Silas and Solomon Danielson, and Aya Kippen.

Funeral services, followed by a reception, will take place at Garden City Funeral Home on Friday, June 14th, at 2 PM.