Theresa Marie Houle

HOULE, Theresa “Terry” Marie

February 27, 1937 – November 23, 2021

Proverbs 31:10-31

Theresa (Terry), age 84 years, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Mervyn Houle; her siblings, Agnes Grosse, Clarence Gelowitz, Donald Gelowitz; her siblings’ spouses, Andrea (Daniel) Gelowitz, Helen (John) Gelowitz. Theresa is also lovingly rememered by her five children, Marva (Gary), Lance (Susan), Mervyn Troy (Shelly), Timothy (Carla), Dawn-Michelle (Bruce); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Theresa is also survived by dearly loved in-laws, Adele Kuss, Glen and Lorraine Houle, and their families.

Theresa is pre-deceased by her parents Barbara (Exner) and Joseph Gelowitz; siblings, William Gelowitz, Daniel Gelowitz, John Gelowitz; her siblings’ spouses, James (Agnes) Grosse, Doreen (William) Gelowitz, Gail (Clarence) Gelowitz.

Theresa was born on the home farm near Bangor, Saskatchewan.  She was delivered by her grandmother who had been a mid-wife in Germany before immigrating to Canada.  She was welcomed by three older siblings (Agnes, Bill, Danny) and followed later by three others (John, Clarence, Donny).  Her life on the farm was followed by a move into Banger and later to Melville where she rounded out her happy childhood.

As a young adult Theresa moved to Saskatoon where she worked at the CNR lunch counter and later at Woolworth five and dime store.  It was in Saskatoon where Theresa and Mervyn met on a blind date and were married a short time later on Nov 7, 1958.  The young couple made their home and completed their family in Saskatoon. 

In 1967, Theresa and Mervyn came to know and trust in the love of Jesus Christ.  It was then that they moved their family to the lower mainland of British Columbia where Mervyn attended college to become a pastor.  Theresa was a diligent homemaker who raised her own children as well as taking in several foster children and adult boarders.  She followed in her mother’s footsteps by mastering the art of baking and storing up preserves for winter.  She would spoil loved ones with her delicious treats, sharing her recipes with family.  Although, due to a bit of a mischievous spirit, Theresa didn’t always share all of the ingredients!  Her family later learned that she added sour cream to her Welsh Tea Cakes!

Theresa and Mervyn’s home had an open-door policy.  People were always welcome.  Theresa was known to prepare a full meal not knowing ahead who would share it with them. 

Theresa was a hard worker.  In order to add to the household income, she worked out of the home as a care aide and later as a cook in senior’s facilities.

In 1977, the family moved to Leslieville, Alberta and in 1980 to Creston, BC.  During this time Theresa was a volunteer in the churches Mervyn pastored – she faithfully ran the Junior Church, Sunday School, and Pioneer Girl’s programs.

Theresa’s health was not well.  She was troubled with bad knees and underwent two knee replacements.  She struggled with Narcolepsy, yet she worked day and night to make life better for others.  This resulted in her being affectionately referred to as “Mother Theresa”!

Later in life, Theresa and Mervyn retired to Red Deer, Alberta where they lived a peaceful life in a retirement complex while continuing to be involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren.  They enjoyed several birthday and anniversary parties.  These included their 50^th wedding anniversary, Theresa’s 65^th birthday, Mervyn’s 70^th and 80^th birthdays, and most recently Theresa’s 80^th birthday, where family and friends gathered to eat, play, and celebrate.

Theresa’s love for her husband and family was only slightly shadowed by her love for her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  As life became more difficult for her, her vision of heaven shone more brightly.  She spoke frequently of her desire to begin her new life where pain and sorrow are no more.  As much as we are sad to see her go, we celebrate her joy in being where life and love never end. 

She was always loved and will be deeply and forever missed.

In respect of Theresa’s wishes there will be no funeral.

A celebration of life will be held in

late spring or summer 2022.