In Celebration of

Thérèse E. J Naus

May 26, 1929 -  December 16, 2021

Passed away on Dec. 16, 2021 at the age of 92. Beloved wife of Erich (Deceased), and dear mother of Carl, Edward, and Erich, cherished Boma of Lauren, Daniel, Samantha, and Connor and loving mother-in-law to Kristina and Diane, she will be sadly missed by all her extended family. Born on May 26, 1929 in the Netherlands to Jean Smeets and Anna Josephina Pisters. Thérèse entered the world six weeks premature, the ninth of ten children and grew up in a loving family above the family butcher shop. She met and married ‘her guy’ Erich when he was working in her sister’s bakery. Thérèse and Erich immigrated to Canada in 1955 to build a new future together. Thérèse and Erich had a very loving partnership lasting 58 years that was based on mutual respect, love, and laughter. Together they raised their 3 boys while owning and operating their own bakery, Petit Paris Cake and Coffee Shop in Bloor West Village for 47 years. Thérèse loved serving her customers, sharing a coffee, sweets and stories. Additionally, Thérèse was a charitable woman who donated meals from the shop to those in need. Thérèse was very devoted to her family, always good to share that treat, enjoy that special story, share that special laugh, and usually could be found with a certain special twinkle in her eye. Some of her favorite family times were the month-long camping trips, watching her family play sports, and always supporting ‘her guy’.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 3 – 6 p.m. at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto. Due to the limitations still in place surrounding COVID-19, proof of full vaccination, government photo ID, and masks are required upon arrival. Mass will be held at St. Pius X Church on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Thérèse Naus’s name to Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Guestbook 

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Olaf & Sabine (Aunt)

Entered December 19, 2021 from Ontario

“We’ll always remember Aunt Therese as the smiling face behind the display at the Petit Paris Bakery. Who could resist the delectable assortment of baked goods with her firm endorsement behind them? She was the woman who welcomed you into her establishment and could tell you all about the delicious items for sale. Therese was not just the hostess of the shop but also the spouse of Chef Erich Naus who’s been missed these many years. She loved entertaining people and we’ll always remember the good times we had when visiting their home and bakery.”

The Resendes Family (Friends)

Entered December 19, 2021 from Toronto

Our condolences to the Naus family on the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother. We will always remember her kindness and the fascinating stories of her youth and the life she and Erich built in Canada. Truly the heart of the home and so proud of her boys.
Joe, Linda, Katie and Nicky.

Cynthia Vritsios (Daniel’s grade one teacher)

Entered December 20, 2021

Daniel, I wish to express my sincere sympathy to you, your sisters and your parents on the passing of your dear grandmother. May her memory be a blessing to you.
Best regards
Cynthia Vritsios

Linda Granfield (Bloor West Village neighbourhood)

Entered December 20, 2021 from Toronto

Our condolences to the Knaus family on the passing of the wonderful Therese, their mother. Thank you for posting the lovely photo of your mum. That smile! That is how I remember her, speeding around The Petit Paris C&C Shop, attending to all the customers. Going to that bakery was a special treat for our children (now with children of their own)--even children were treated as special customers there. The small plates with liverwurst ("meat spread" the kids called it) sandwiches, the strudel for when the sandwich was eaten. Pots of tea. And Mrs. Knaus keeping an eye on everything and everyone, seeing to it that we all enjoyed the food and environment (the stained glass window, so many details in the shop). In the 1980s, PParis food was our children's first taste of Europe--and they both went on to travel there and cook the cuisines, thanks in part to Therese Knaus. The Knaus family was also always very generous to the Catholic Women's League across the street at St. Pius Church. There were always sweet donations that tempted others at fund-raising events we held. Your mother will be missed. Please know that, as you can see, she is firmly in the memories of the Smiley family. Take care. Linda Granfield & Cal Smiley

Roma Zyla (Long time customer)

Entered December 21, 2021 from Etobicoke

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear mother. I started going to Petit Paris when it first opened . I remembered the few tables at the back and how special i felt as a littlr girl when my mom ordered a strawberry tart for me. No Easter was complete without the iconic PP foil covered Easter egg...i continued going to PP with my mother, then my husband and then my son...so many memories of not only delicious baked goods but the staff as well. I was heartbroken when the cafe closed and managed to save the ribbon and decal from my last Easter egg.

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