It is hard for us to believe Theresa Oprysk is gone, not just because she was so ill, nor because she was such a fighter – but because she was our Mother, grandmother, auntie, cousin and to so many of you here today, your friend. First and foremost we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your love, support, kind words over these past months. We are extremely grateful and has helped carry us through our most difficult times.
But for those of you who may have not known Theresa in the way some of you do, we would like you to know more about her in her best years before she became ill.
Born in Winnipeg Manitoba, Theresa, ( who was also known as Terry, Stepha and then later as Bobby to her grandsons) was the youngest of 6 children. Growing up during the great depression were not easy years, but Theresa said that she was so fortunate to be blessed with parents and siblings who worked hard through those difficult times. In 1949 she met her husband of 50 years, Jaroslaw at a church dance. Apparently as the story was told, it was love at first site for Jaroslaw, as he attempted to get the “correct” phone number from Theresa. After 2 attempts, Theresa gave in and proceeded to write down her correct phone number and as the say the rest is history. They were married in 1950 and blessed with two daughters, Donna and Lisa.
For 40 years, Theresa not only raised her daughters but also had a successful career as a clerical administrator with the Federal Government, Canada Packers and then finally with Glidden Paints where she retired. It just so happened that after she retired, her four grandsons were born and she took on a new role as grandmother and everyone’s favorite babysitter.
During her 88 years of life, Theresa was quite the traveler. She loved to visit numerous destinations that included many countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Cuba, Europe and even as far as Turkey, Morocco and Alaska. But her most passionate destination were the Hawaiian Islands where her children have such wonderful memories from their childhood of their summer vacations there.
In closing, Theresa always saw the good in people. If you needed her she was there for you and always asking what she can do to help. As you know, Theresa had a great deal of faith and rarely missed Sunday mass. It was her faith in God and the love for her family and friends that she treasured the most.
To our dear mother, wife, grandmother, auntie, cousin and friend, your will have no more suffering and no more pain. Today we celebrate and remember Theresa “Terry” and the life she had before she became ill. You will forever be in our hearts and we will love you always.
