Theresa Frances Conwell

Theresa Frances Conwell passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at the age of 97.

Theresa was born July 13, 1928, in Walla Walla, Washington, to John Alexander McKay and Helen Eliza (Hanson) McKay. She was the youngest of 5 children, three brothers and one sister. She grew up in Touchet, Washington, and had a fun-filled childhood playing with her many cousins.

She graduated in 1946 from Touchet High School and began working at the Touchet Mercantile. She met Archie Eugene Conwell, and they were married a year later in August 1947.

They lived in Touchet, where they built their first home. Their son Mark was born in 1950, with daughter Gale following in 1953. They moved to Idaho, where their daughter Wendy was born in 1958. Nephew, Bob Conwell, joined the family at the age of 14.

They moved back to Touchet in 1959, where she was glad to be home. She worked at the Touchet School for 25 years as the lead cook. She loved her years there, making meals from scratch, including her special orange rolls. For many years after, the former students would come up to her and comment on how much they enjoyed her wonderful meals.

Archie and she moved to Walla Walla in 1999, where they lived in the last house of five that he built for them. Archie passed in 2007.

Theresa was involved in the community, volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital in the gift shop for over 10 years. She was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church Altar Society, served as the Bible Study Fellowship treasurer for many years, and participated in several pinochle clubs.

She is survived by her son, Mark D. Conwell (Debbie); daughters, Gale Snell (David) and Wendy Freitas; nephew, Bob Conwell (Dani); seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie; her stillborn son, Mark J.; her son-in-law, Matthew Freitas; her grandson, Rafael Freitas; and her four siblings.

Viewing will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. The Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Assumption Catholic Church in Walla Walla.

Memorial contributions may be made to Touchet Educational or Scholarship Fund through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.