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THERESA RACICOT
Theresa Racicot became the state's twentieth First Lady on January 3, 1993.
Theresa, a native Montanan, is one of eight children born to Marvin and Helen Barber. She graduated from Sweet Grass County High School and attended Carroll College in Helena and the University of Montana in Missoula. Marc and Theresa lived in Germany for thirty-two months with the U.S. Army. They have five children, ranging in age from nineteen to twenty-eight.
During her time as First Lady, Theresa worked with her husband to help keep Montana "family friendly". Her interest in children and families is reflected in her involvement with numerous service organizations and projects. She served for nine years on the board of the Florence Crittenton Maternity Home, and has also been involved with Shodair Hospital's Children's Miracle Network Telethon. Theresa also chaired the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity's participation in the national "First Ladies Build" campaign, which plans to construct a house in each state capitol across the country with the participation of the states' first ladies.
In addition, she has served as honorary chair for the Intermountain Children's Home Permanent Adoptive Treatment Home Program for abused children, the Race for the Cure breast cancer project, the "Every Child by Two" Immunization Program, and the Montana Red Cross. Theresa also served in an advisory capacity on the Healthy Start Task Force in conjunction with the Governors' Summit on Youth, as well as for the publication of Montana's Breast Cancer Resource Guide. She served on the fundraising committee for the Golden Triangle Community Mental Health Center's new facility and on the Carroll College Board of Trustees.
In her personal time, Theresa enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, and reading.