March 17, 1928 – August 30, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Aunt and Friend, Theresa Belanger at the Betel Personal Care Home, at the age of 93, on Monday, August 30.
Mom will be greatly missed by her children: Adele (Don), Marcelle (Simon), Alane (John), Raymond (Debbie), Yvette (Alex), Madelene (Mike), Maryann (Larry), Michelle (Brian), Robert (Tammy) and Jacqueline (Doug); her 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She also leaves, Fr. Henryk Laciak, our parent’s good friend.
Mom was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Nap in 2008 and her grandson, Rowan in 2014, and was what we affectionately described as the final chapter of her immediate family.
Theresa was born on March 17, 1928 to Fred and Emilie Firman. She was the fifth of six children and grew up in what was then known as Transcona. She met our dad, Napoleon through his sister Jean, our aunt and a few years later they were married at St. Mary’s Cathedral on July 16, 1949. They purchased the family home on Morris Avenue in Selkirk where they raised their 10 children. She cooked all the family meals, baked and canned hundreds of quarts of dills and vegetables. She loved to knit, sew, crochet, darn and did petit point. Her fave pastimes were doing puzzles and playing solitaire. One of mom’s favourite places to be, was in her yard, where she could be seen endlessly puttering around amongst her beautiful flowers.
Mom was a devout Roman Catholic. She was a parishioner of the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in Selkirk and an active member of the Notre Dame Catholic Women’s League. There, she made many long-lasting friendships with other members of the league. Together, she helped make thousands of perogies and cabbage rolls, prepared Fall Suppers, and gave a lending hand to organizing workshops and conventions. She was so proud to have given fifty plus years in the league, serving as President from 1975 to 1977. She was happy to serve, “For God and Canada”.
Mom took great pride in her family. Being a mom, a grand mom and eventually a great-grand mom was the most important thing in the world to her. We her children have always known how very fortunate we are to have had her love and tender care throughout our lives. She taught us to follow our dreams and to stand up for ourselves. She taught us faith and to “Love the Lord your God with, all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” She truly lived her life through those words.
Goodbye Mom, you were our rock and our strength. We will miss you, but we are at peace knowing that you are reunited with Dad and your loving Family, wrapped in the arms of Jesus.
A Funeral Mass for Theresa was held on Thursday, September 2nd at Notre Dame Church in Selkirk with celebrant Fr. Gerald Langevin followed by internment at the Notre Dame Cemetery.
Theresa’s family wishes to thank the staff, at Betel Nursing Home in Selkirk for the care given to our mom over the last two years. Special love and thanks to Michael Harcus for his love, caring and special moments spent with our mom.
In lieu of flowers, at the request of Theresa’s family, if friends so desire, donations may be made to:
Transcona Historical Museum Builders’ Fund, 141 Regent Ave. W, Winnipeg, MB R2C 1R1 or to Parkinson’s Society of Manitoba, 7-414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2
“Love One Another”
Condolences can be posted on Theresa’s memorial page by utilizing the comments section below.
Arrangements entrusted to: Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services