MONTREAL, Wis. - Theresa M. Talaska, 62, of Montreal, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at home, with her daughter by her side.

Theresa was born June 25, 1963, in Cudahy, the daughter of Louis E. and Marilyn (Maradik) Smollar. Raised on the family farm in Ironwood Township, Michigan, where she grew up. During her high school years, she participated in JROTC, choir and 4-H, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, Michigan, in 1981. She learned a strong worth ethic early on working on the family farm. She held many jobs throughout her life including waitressing at C&L Truck Stop and Ben’s Place, a CNA at Gogebic Medical Care Facility, housekeeping at Grand View Hospital (now Aspirus), Eagle Bluff Condo’s, Silver Street Motel and Big Powderhorn Mountain, and a cook at Eagle Bluff Golf Course. Theresa’s last two jobs included working at Brite Spot II and Rose Wreath.

She loved being outdoors, horses, going to Little Girl’s Point and picking agates, gardening, cooking, canning, collecting elephants and being with family. Theresa will be missed for her sense of humor, laugh, tender heart and care.

Theresa was married to Richard Isaacson on Oct. 26, 1985, and he preceded her in death in 1987. Theresa then met James W. Talaksa getting married on Jan. 20, 2005. Jim preceded her in death on Dec. 23, 2019, the couple having spent 31 years together. She was further preceded in death by her father, Louis E. Smollar, in 2007; her mother, Marilyn Smollar, in 2024; and a brother, Brian Smollar, in 2018.

Theresa is survived by her daughter, Tanya Isaacson, Montreal; two brothers, Louis (Julie) Smollar, Green Bay, and their children, Alyssa (Cody) Cook, Neenah, and Jared Smollar, Green Bay; and Jeff (Randy Lyon) Smollar, St. Paul, Minnesota; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In accordance to Theresa’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no memorial service, however a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Regional Hospice for their excellent care and compassion given to Theresa.

Condolences can be sent to Tanya Isaacson, P.O. Box 375, Montreal, WI 54550.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.