Obituary for Theresa Spencer (Vezeau)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Theresa Spencer (Vezeau), in her 76th year. Theresa passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday May 16, 2022.
Predeceased by her parents Bill and Mary Vezeau, and devoted husband, Doran Spencer. Loving mother of Dawn Wemigwans (Ray Trudeau), Max Spencer and Michael Spencer (predeceased). The best grandma in the world to Sequoia Wemigwans (Alex Cerilli). Dear half-sister to Albert and Bill Vezeau (both predeceased). Theresa will be deeply missed by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bonnie March (Fred predeceased), Sr. Leona Spencer, Max Spencer (Cindy predeceased), Christine Sloma (Jim), Melanie Seal (Doug), Rick Spencer (Gloria), and Kevin Spencer (Lindy). Predeceased by Keith, Shirley (Bob), Maureen Larocque (Rudy), Ernie Spencer (Joy), Terry Spencer (Bev), Pat Spencer (Kim) and John Spencer. Fondly remembered by “a million” cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews both in Canada and the United States.
Theresa Spencer (February 10, 1946 - May 16, 2022) lived a full beautiful life surrounded by wonderful friends, devoted family, and amazing work colleagues. She was an intelligent and passionate woman; some might say a woman beyond her time.
To her daughter Dawn, Theresa leaves her warmth, kindness, and passion for education. To her son Max she leaves her sharp wit and intellectual brilliance. To her granddaughter Sequoia, she leaves her beauty. To her friends and extended family, she leaves her unfathomable gratitude for the support and kindness they shared with her throughout her life journey.
Theresa was born in Lowville, New York but was raised in Blind River, Ontario. During her early childhood she spent winters along the Little White River up north in the bush where her father was a trapper. During Theresa’s early summers, her and her mother travelled back to Michigan and West Virginia to spend time with extended family. As a young child, many fond memories were made during these warm summers sharing good times with aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
Theresa skipped two grade levels in school and went on to graduate from Teacher’s College (Nipissing) at the young age of 19 and began her teaching career at St. Mary’s School in Blind River. Coincidentally it was a co-worker (and future sister-in-law) that introduced Theresa to her future husband, Doran. Theresa and Doran were married in 1968 and spent many wonderful years together until his death in 2004.
Theresa was a devoted teacher. She touched so many young lives and inspired her students to strive for greatness. She was a brilliant, giving mentor and carried her passion for education with her even after her retirement. In the latter part of her career, she worked with Sudbury Catholic Schools as a curriculum consultant. It was in this position that she found the most satisfaction. She enjoyed supporting making positive “change” happen throughout the system. She finally retired after spending 42 years in education.
When Theresa’s granddaughter Sequoia came along, it began a whole new chapter for her. Sequoia was her whole world. She helped to raise Sequoia from the day she was born. Together they shared a precious bond that will continue into the next realm.
Theresa will also be missed greatly by her Beta Sigma Phi “sisters”, a world-wide sorority of women who meet regularly to promote friendship and fellowship through charitable works in the community. She had been a member for over 50 years and loved the sisterhood.
In retirement, Theresa became a world traveller that loved learning about different cultures with her sisters-in-law and best friends. Together they built memories to last a lifetime. Theresa returned to her home community of Blind River in later years cherishing family time at her beautiful camp on Lake Huron. She spent most of her time enjoying summers there with good friends and family.
Lastly, Theresa’s cat, Alfred was her “best friend” and constant companion. His hijinks were greatly entertaining to her and a steady source of conversation.
To say that her family and friends will greatly miss her would be an understatement. Our hearts are so broken by this tremendous loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.
Memorial Visitation at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St., Sudbury, Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 1:30 PM.
(Friends may call after 11:30AM Thursday)
Memorial Service in the R.J. Barnard Chapel, Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 1:30 PM.
Interment in the family plot at the Civic Cemetery,
In lieu of flowers donations to Sequoia’s Education Trust Fund would be appreciated.
For those who cannot attend, the service can be viewed at: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1652993699185167
Predeceased by her parents Bill and Mary Vezeau, and devoted husband, Doran Spencer. Loving mother of Dawn Wemigwans (Ray Trudeau), Max Spencer and Michael Spencer (predeceased). The best grandma in the world to Sequoia Wemigwans (Alex Cerilli). Dear half-sister to Albert and Bill Vezeau (both predeceased). Theresa will be deeply missed by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bonnie March (Fred predeceased), Sr. Leona Spencer, Max Spencer (Cindy predeceased), Christine Sloma (Jim), Melanie Seal (Doug), Rick Spencer (Gloria), and Kevin Spencer (Lindy). Predeceased by Keith, Shirley (Bob), Maureen Larocque (Rudy), Ernie Spencer (Joy), Terry Spencer (Bev), Pat Spencer (Kim) and John Spencer. Fondly remembered by “a million” cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews both in Canada and the United States.
Theresa Spencer (February 10, 1946 - May 16, 2022) lived a full beautiful life surrounded by wonderful friends, devoted family, and amazing work colleagues. She was an intelligent and passionate woman; some might say a woman beyond her time.
To her daughter Dawn, Theresa leaves her warmth, kindness, and passion for education. To her son Max she leaves her sharp wit and intellectual brilliance. To her granddaughter Sequoia, she leaves her beauty. To her friends and extended family, she leaves her unfathomable gratitude for the support and kindness they shared with her throughout her life journey.
Theresa was born in Lowville, New York but was raised in Blind River, Ontario. During her early childhood she spent winters along the Little White River up north in the bush where her father was a trapper. During Theresa’s early summers, her and her mother travelled back to Michigan and West Virginia to spend time with extended family. As a young child, many fond memories were made during these warm summers sharing good times with aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
Theresa skipped two grade levels in school and went on to graduate from Teacher’s College (Nipissing) at the young age of 19 and began her teaching career at St. Mary’s School in Blind River. Coincidentally it was a co-worker (and future sister-in-law) that introduced Theresa to her future husband, Doran. Theresa and Doran were married in 1968 and spent many wonderful years together until his death in 2004.
Theresa was a devoted teacher. She touched so many young lives and inspired her students to strive for greatness. She was a brilliant, giving mentor and carried her passion for education with her even after her retirement. In the latter part of her career, she worked with Sudbury Catholic Schools as a curriculum consultant. It was in this position that she found the most satisfaction. She enjoyed supporting making positive “change” happen throughout the system. She finally retired after spending 42 years in education.
When Theresa’s granddaughter Sequoia came along, it began a whole new chapter for her. Sequoia was her whole world. She helped to raise Sequoia from the day she was born. Together they shared a precious bond that will continue into the next realm.
Theresa will also be missed greatly by her Beta Sigma Phi “sisters”, a world-wide sorority of women who meet regularly to promote friendship and fellowship through charitable works in the community. She had been a member for over 50 years and loved the sisterhood.
In retirement, Theresa became a world traveller that loved learning about different cultures with her sisters-in-law and best friends. Together they built memories to last a lifetime. Theresa returned to her home community of Blind River in later years cherishing family time at her beautiful camp on Lake Huron. She spent most of her time enjoying summers there with good friends and family.
Lastly, Theresa’s cat, Alfred was her “best friend” and constant companion. His hijinks were greatly entertaining to her and a steady source of conversation.
To say that her family and friends will greatly miss her would be an understatement. Our hearts are so broken by this tremendous loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.
Memorial Visitation at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St., Sudbury, Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 1:30 PM.
(Friends may call after 11:30AM Thursday)
Memorial Service in the R.J. Barnard Chapel, Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 1:30 PM.
Interment in the family plot at the Civic Cemetery,
In lieu of flowers donations to Sequoia’s Education Trust Fund would be appreciated.
For those who cannot attend, the service can be viewed at: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1652993699185167