Theresa Joanne (Thorrez) Stevens

Theresa Joanne (Thorrez) Stevens, 65, of Concord, entered into eternal life on Monday, April 27, 2020 at her home, cared for by her loving family. She was the daughter of Henry and Phyllis Thorrez, born May 11, 1954 in Concord, Michigan. Theresa was raised in Concord, in a loving family whose Catholic faith was their cornerstone. She graduated from Concord High School and attended Hillsdale College. Her adventurous spirit drew her to the sunshine of California, where she lived in Huntington Beach before she returned to Michigan to be with family. She worked at Don’s Ford Mercury in Albion before beginning work at the family screw machine business, C. Thorrez Industries. For over 40 years, she wore many hats in the company. She was a board member that organized the monthly meetings for over 35 years. Her dedication to detail was a major factor in the success of the third generation of the company.

Theresa married Walter Stevens in October of 1979 and settled in Concord. They were blessed with four children, to whom Theresa poured her love into. Being a mother and grandmother was the purpose of her life and greatest joy.  She instilled in each of them a deep faith by her words and example. Theresa dedicated her time and energy to using her many gifts within her church and community. She was a religious education teacher for over 30 years and director of faith formation at St. Catherine Laboure Parish, where she shared her rich faith with innumerable youth. Her and Walt were members of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Jackson, where her beautiful voice lifted hearts to the Heavens while she sang in the choir and was a cantor at Mass. She was a member of the Eunice Tyler Birthday Club, a strong advocate for the protection of the unborn and could often be found in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel.

Though she experienced many tragedies, Theresa’s faith was the center of her life.  She would regularly be heard saying, “Jesus, I trust in you”, “Jesus, I love you”, “Thank You, Jesus” and ”Jesus loves you and so do I.” Her dedication to our Lord was so great she had alarms set on her phone to alert her to pray multiple times a day, no matter what she was doing. Her smile was contagious, her hugs enveloped you, and the joy in her heart would light up a room. She will be missed by her family and so many others, but there is great rejoicing knowing she is at complete peace and enjoying the company of our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and the hosts of angels and saints.

A private Mass of Christian Burial for immediate family will take place. A Memorial Mass to celebrate her life with all family and friends will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, 1111 Carlton Blvd., Jackson, MI 49203 or Birthline of Jackson, 1000 E. Porter St. #1, Jackson, MI 49202.

Theresa is survived by her husband of 40 years, Walter; four children, Chrystal (Brook) Bisonet, Wes (Jaime) Stevens, Veronica (Brandon) Frazer, and Hannah (Tom) Stroup; 13 beloved grandchildren, Maximilian, Clare, Anthony Bisonet, Maria, Connor, Julia, Zakarian, Ruthella Stevens, Sophie, Titus, Isaiah Frazer, Anne and Margaret Stroup; siblings, Camiel (Anne Marie) Thorrez, Jeoffrey (Cheryl) Thorrez, Mary Cay Thorrez-Wheeler; Sisters in law, Ruthella Brigham and Betty Stevens; Brother in law, Don Wheeler; numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and many, many close friends that filled her heart with joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Phyllis Thorrez; father and mother in law, George and Clara Stevens; sisters, Diana, Candace, Sandra Thorrez; infant brother, Thomas Thorrez; sister in law, Theone Luttenton; brothers in law, Bud Stevens, Hank Brigham, Dale Luttenton; nephews, Luke Thorrez, D.J. Wheeler, Mark Brigham; nephew in law Cliff Spry; niece in law Connie Brigham; great niece, Saren Saenz.

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