Theresa Pearl (Chartier) DeGrave, 85, of Wilson, MI, beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, passed away at home on Sunday, May 28, 2017, after loving care by her family.

She was born on August 7, 1931, the second youngest of ten children to David and Emma Chartier. Theresa was raised in Nadeau, MI and attended 8 ½ years of school in nearby Powers.  On August 2, 1948, she married the love of her life, Gerald George DeGrave. They began their married life in Nadeau, MI, moving to Jam Dam (Wilson) where they raised their family.

Theresa loved being a mother and homemaker. She was proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and devoted her energies to them, putting their happiness above her own. She taught her children respect, kindness, a strong work ethic, and care for others by example. Theresa’s home was always warm and welcoming, with an offer to feed you unconditionally. Her impact will be felt forever.

Theresa was a diligent and conscientious worker. With the children grown, she worked for 22 years at Robinson Furniture Factory and at the restaurant for two years with her niece, Patsy. She would find ways to help family, friends, and neighbors with their mending, cleaning, painting, or just whatever needed to be done on a moments notice. Her tireless energies cared for many. Theresa was a long-time member of the Wilson Seventh-day Adventist Church and believed in living life with Christian principles.

Theresa P. DeGrave is survived by children, Monte (Maria) DeGrave, Terry (Brenda) DeGrave, Cindy Collar, Douglas (Debra) DeGrave all of Wilson, MI; Kelly (Sheri) DeGrave of Chattanooga, TN; and Shelby (Melvin) Gillen, Rio, WI; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Gloria Lanaville of Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by daughter, Gail Marie; grandson, Devin; and eight brothers and sisters. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday, June 5, 2017 at the Wilson Seventh-Day Adventist Church, N14220 Country Rd. 551, Wilson, MI. Funeral services celebrating the life of Theresa will follow at 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday, at the Wilson Seventh-day Adventist Church. Burial will immediately follow in the Wilson Seventh-Day Adventist Cemetery. A meal will be served afterward at the Wilson Junior Academy, (across the road). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the DeGrave family. 

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