Theresa Ann (Annie) Sorley, age 66, passed away on August 6, 2011 in Miles City, MT after a long fight with cancer.
She was born in Sheridan, WY on June 19, 1945, the daughter of Wilbert Clarence and Willma (Lynde) Sorger. Annie attended schools in Lodge Grass, Mt; Anchorage, AK; Seattle, WA and Wolf Point, MT. She married John Sorley on November 2, 1962 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton, ND. Annie and John farmed in McCone County for 48 years. Annie was a member of the First Lutheran Church, participating in Peace Circle and the Quilters and Knitters group. She also spent many years volunteering as a McCone County 4H leader. Annie enjoyed her friends and family – her grandchildren brought her special joy. She had a great sense of humor and always appreciated a little practical joke.
Over the past 25 years Annie faced and overcame many medical challenges. In October 2000 she received the gift of life after a successful heart transplant operation at the University Of Washington Medical Center. She used this experience to encourage and inspire other transplant patients and their families and to advocate for organ donation. She was notorious for her ability to always make light of a not so great situation and her never ending care and concern of others.
She is survived by her three children: Tim (Karen) Sorley of Wolf Point, MT; Dan (Lea) Sorley of Union, WA and Carmen (Mark) Tompkins of Friday Harbor, WA; her grandchildren: Sadie and Ethan Sorley, Ali Sorley, and Austin and Jared Tompkins; her sisters: Rita (Pat) O’Connor of Miles City, MT, Delores (Chris) Evans of Wolf Point, MT and Jeanne Selvy of Philomath, OR; sister-in-laws: Paula Bowler of Hardin, MT and Mary Ann Adkins of Nashua, MT; one aunt Sister Mary Anthony of the Monastery of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA; numerous nieces and nephews, and her special pet dog, Daisy. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her brother Bill, and step-mother Eleanor Sorger.
Visitation will begin on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Clayton-Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point, MT. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to www.donatelife.net to support organ donation; www.holyrosaryhealthcare.org to support hospice care; or to the charity of one’s choice. Clayton-Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.claytonstevensonchapel.com. A special thanks to Holy Rosary Hospice, the University of Washington and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for her special care.
Scott and Sharon Doornek says
We are truly sorry for the loss or your mother. Know that she is now in the arms of god and pain free.
Jerry & Jeannie Archdale says
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeannie & Jerry Archdale
Jason & Nyoka Twitchell says
We send our sympathy to the Sorley family. Annie was an amazing person with a shining personality that always shined.
Elaine Long says
Condolances
Arlene Holmes says
So sorry to see that Annie passed away. I remember well the day my daughter Pam was born and her son Tim was born. She provided many laughs during that time. She was special.
Norma Rauch says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Annie’s family.
Sincerely,
Barbara (York) Padilla says
With sincere sympathy to the Sorley and Sorger families. Your beautiful Annie will always be a bright shining star.
Brian & Vicki Eggebrecht says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Karyl Rauch says
Your Mom was a phenomenon. Really I just loved her, (and your Dad.) they were the most inspiring people I have known.
I was always amazed at your Mom, the way she approached life, (and death.) with the strength and determined dignity so many knew her by.
Your Mom was a sweetheart who had a great empathy for others; she was one of the most special patients I have ever cared for. She impressed and touched the lives of all the people I know who ever cared for her. (Here and in Seattle.)
When I was having a really bad day, I used to think of her, (and I still will.) and how she just refused to be dominated by her circumstances. She was the driver, ever and always.
Her courage was just overwhelming. If nurses were coaches she was an Olympic athlete.
I watched her take down what so many just freeze in their tracks at, and put it in its place.
She was fearless.
She had great faith.
You kids, and other family are so lucky to have had her in your lives as an example, and an inspiration.
Live well, and know that no one who ever came in contact with her will ever forget her.
I imagine her and your Dad are pretty much whooping it up about now.
All good things come to those who wait.
God Bless
Jack Roberts says
Annie was loved by everyone who knew her from the University of Washington Medical Center. That includes the heart recipients who respected her in the highest. She was a great inspiration to others. She will always be remembered and missed.
Jack
Eilleen Wilcoxon says
I so sorry to hear of your loss of Annie. She was a strong lady and went threw a lot.