Sydne Thisted Abernathy

Sydne Thisted Abernathy passed away peacefully in the early morning of September 18, 2024, with her children by her side. She was fortunate to spend time this summer at the family cabin which was a wonderful blessing. Sydne was born and raised in Great Falls, MT. She spent the majority of her life here, giving back to the community she cherished. She graduated from the University of Montana, was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and taught elementary school after graduating.

Community involvement was essential to her life, volunteering with the Giant Springs Park expansion, Junior League, the C.M. Russell Museum, and many other organizations was so important to her. She was also a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church and held a strong faith in God.

Connecting with neighbors, friends, and family was a fulfilling calling for her life. Through the years, her gracious hospitality extended far and wide, creating many creative and memorable gatherings. Many special friendships were formed through her community involvement, and her P.E.O. sisters were especially important to her.

Throughout the nearly 64 years of marriage, she and the love of her life, Charlie, spent time at their lake cabin and traveled with family and friends whenever possible.

She is survived by her sister, Karin (Charles) Whitehead; children, John (Shannon) Abernathy, Jennifer (Randy) Grillo, and Becky (Doug) McKenna; grandchildren, Natalie Abernathy, Violet Abernathy, Kylie Grillo, Henry Grillo, Will Grillo, Blake (Sara) McKenna, Chad (Hilary) McKenna, Elise McKenna, and Zach McKenna; great-grandchildren, Ava, Charlie, and Jack McKenna.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Clarence Abernathy Jr.; young son, Charles Clarence Abernathy, III (Chip); her parents, Walter Sidney Thisted and Auline Nichols Thisted; and two brothers, Walter and Andy Thisted.

A celebration of life will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Great Falls on October 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following. The family will celebrate with a private interment at Highland Cemetery.

It is said, to have a good friend you must be a good friend, and Sydne had many wonderful friends. The family would like to thank this amazing community and the family of friends for the enormous support and love they showered on Sydne and Charlie these last years. Additionally, the family thanks Julie Demarais and the A La Care team and Peace Hospice home care.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the C.M. Russell Museum; P.E.O.; First Presbyterian Church; or a charity of your choice.