Theresa A. Remington

As family and friends can surely attest, Theresa Remington truly understood the secret to living each and every day to the very fullest. She was a constant source of strength and courage, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Theresa greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and her insatiable zest for life could be felt by all around her. Deeply loved, Theresa will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

The 1930s were among some of the most difficult years for the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing, and families all across the country had to pull together and work hard to find a way to thrive in their time of need. During this dark time, however, there was a ray of light for John and Clara (Dominiak) Myszka of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their fourth child. On March 21, 1931, they welcomed their daughter, Theresa Ann, into the world.

Throughout her childhood, Theresa was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home on Park Street built by her grandparents alongside her five siblings, Katherine, Barbara, Frank, Patricia, and Sue. Theresa’s father, John, worked in the gypsum mines off of Butterworth, while her mother, Clara, worked at St. Mary’s Hospital. Theresa attended local schools, including Sacred Heart School and Union High School. However, growing up in the Great Depression and WWII was not easy, and she ended up leaving her education behind in her junior year in order to help support the family.

Exciting changes were in store for Theresa as she began working at Globe Knitting, then at McInerney Spring and Wire. It was there she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Russ Remington, and he was one of her coworkers at the time. There was an instant spark between them, and the two began dating in the late 1940s. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Theresa and Russ were united in marriage on July 7, 1950, at her Russ's sister's farm, followed by a reception at St. Ladislaus Hall. The newlyweds then began building their future together. Russ worked days as a millwright at Batts in Zeeland, and Theresa worked nights.

Of all the things Theresa loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. Over the next few years, she and Russ were overjoyed to welcome their four beloved children, Mary Kay, Russ, Don and Barb, into their hearts and home. Theresa thrived in her role as a mother and dedicated herself to raising her children, no matter how mischievous they could be. Don and Barb once climbed onto the roof of their garage and refused to get down until they were bribed with popcorn. The Remington family lived on Paris Street for a time, then made their home on Hovey Street. They were active members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, and the children would often joke that both accordion and bowling lessons were mandatory in Remington household. Later in life, Theresa was thrilled to become a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and eventually even a great-great-grandmother. She always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Theresa pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She and Russ enjoyed bowling in leagues together. Theresa had a passion for cooking. She catered for showers, weddings and banquets. Until 1997, Theresa would commandeer the family to prepare the food and run the kitchen at Sacred Heart Club for Pulaski days. Theresa was known for her sweet tooth and her love for anything with maple cream flavor. Her favorite music included polka, opera, and Neil Diamond. Over the years, Theresa was able to travel the world and visit Rome, France, Italy, and Ireland. She had a love for shoes and collected more than 100 pairs over the years. Theresa loved reading her Bible and serving in her church in whatever ways she could. She was involved in the Stephens Ministry, and she found great fulfillment in cooking for the priests cooking for the priests at Sacred Heart of Jesus and then St. Isidore's parish and anyone who needed a good, homemade meal. Theresa was a prayer warrior, and she possessed a faith that stood the test of time.

When reflecting on the life of Theresa Remington, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of faithfulness and selflessness, and she cared deeply for everyone around her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Theresa was a friend to many and beloved by all. Her heart of service allowed her to touch the lives of countless others. Though she will be dearly missed, Theresa leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Mrs. Theresa A. Remington age 93, of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord on September 27, 2024. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Katherine Myszka and Barbara (Ed) Novakowski; and brother, Frank (Isabelle) Myszka. She is survived by her children, Mary Kay (Terry) Moon, Russ (Linda) Remington, Don (Candice) Remington and Barb (Mike) Menardie; grandchildren, Rebecca (Larry) Goettl, Preston (Peg) Moon, Patrick Remington, Eric Remington, Joseph Remington, Shawn (Kelly) Kelley, Stacy Remington, Cole Remington, Khristianne (Robert Schutt) Menardie and Nick (Nikki) Menardie; 11 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Patricia (Paul) Luhrs and Sue (Bob) Walters; many nieces, nephews, family members and dear friends. A special thank you to Elara Caring Hospice, Fr. Ron Floyd, Msgr. Ed Hankiewicz and the many prayer warriors for their love and support. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish, 151 Garfield Ave SW. The family will receive visitors from 2-4 and 6-8, with a Rosary at 7:30, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Inurnment in Resurrection Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Sacred Heart Bell Restoration Fund or G.R. Steelheaders Foundation. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook online.