Gerry Turner hasn’t been alone when it comes to looking for love after loss. Theresa Nist is one of The Golden Bachelor contestants who has been searching for a new love and a “best friend” after losing her husband. “I don’t want to be alone anymore. I want to be in love again,” the 70-year-old said in her introduction video. The Golden Bachelor finale has arrived, and Theresa is one of the final two contestants hoping to end up with Gerry.
Theresa hails from Shrewsbury, New Jersey, and she made a memorable first impression with Gerry, 72, during the series premiere. Theresa came on The Golden Bachelor looking for “the real deal.” Will she ultimately be Gerry’s perfect match? Here’s what you need to know about Theresa as her Golden Bachelor journey comes to an end.
Theresa and Gerry Kissed the First Night They Met
When Theresa walked out of the limo and up to Gerry, she surprised him by showing off her “birthday suit,” which consisted of a tan slip under a black shawl. Later, Theresa and Gerry had some one-on-one time. She read Gerry a letter that her daughter had written to her before she came on the show.
Gerry surprised Theresa with a cupcake in honor of her 70th birthday. He took a bite out of the cupcake, and they shared a passionate kiss. “It’s been forever since I kissed a guy, and it felt incredible,” she said.
Ahead of the series premiere, Theresa teased the moment she met Gerry. She shared a photo from the show on Instagram and wrote, “This was the very first time that we met and it was all so thrilling and exciting to meet Gerry and these wonderful women. It was a night I will never forget. I can’t wait until you all get to see it!!”
Theresa and Gerry’s relationship has continued to develop throughout the season. After their Fantasy Suite date, Theresa and Gerry had an honest discussion about their night together. “Everything you said was a revelation, and it was pretty awesome,” Gerry said to Theresa.
Theresa gushed that it “felt so great waking up next to Gerry and that could be the first time that I woke up next to my husband.” While relaxing in bed, Theresa told Gerry, “In case I haven’t said it, I’m crazy about you. I love you.” Gerry told Theresa that he loved her the night before.
Theresa Works in Finance
Theresa “taught herself all about the stock market,” according to her ABC bio. She is a financial services professional. Theresa currently works as an investment advisor for Tfs Securities, Inc., based out of Lincroft, New Jersey. She’s also worked for Metlife Securities Inc. and Metropolitan Life Insurance.
Theresa Is a Widow
Theresa was married to William “Bill” Nist for 42 years. Like Gerry, Theresa lost her first great love. Bill passed away in 2014. Theresa’s daughter, Jen, penned a heartfelt tribute to her father on the 8th anniversary of his death in November 2022.
On the 9th anniversary of Bill’s death, Theresa shared a touching message about her late husband. “Billy and I met when I was 14 and he was 16,” she wrote on Instagram. “We got married at 18 and 20. He was stationed in Berlin during the Vietnam war. I took my first plane ride and we lived there for almost a year. Living in Berlin, I realize now and at the time, was a once in the lifetime experience.”
Theresa Has Two Kids
Theresa is a mother to a son named Tommy and a daughter named Jen. According to their Instagram pages, Tommy and Jen both have three sons, making Theresa a grandmother to six grandsons.
Theresa Loves to Garden
Theresa has shared photos on her Instagram of the beautiful flowers she’s picked from her garden. She’s even got a garden shed in her backyard. In addition to gardening, Theresa enjoys playing board games, reading romance novels, and hula-hooping.
