Theresa Ann Luxmore

Theresa Luxmore (Mazzei), 82, of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2023. Theresa was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher who brought joy and cheer to all she knew and loved.

The fourth of seven children born to Eugenio and Adelina Mazzei, Theresa was born in Detroit on August 17, 1940. She grew up in a loving family and close-knit community on Detroit’s east side. Theresa’s immigrant parents worked hard to provide a better life and opportunities for Theresa and her siblings; they especially stressed the importance of a good education and personal accomplishment.

As a young girl, Theresa excelled at sports, arts and academics. She played baseball with her brothers and devoured books with her sister. Her keen intelligence and infectious smile won over her teachers and made her many friends throughout her school years. Theresa was promoted a grade level and graduated early with honors from Southeastern High School in Detroit.

From an early age, Theresa knew she wanted to be a teacher. She attended Wayne State University, where she would earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education. She began her teaching career with the Detroit Public Schools in the early 1960s. Her ability to inspire young children to learn caught the attention of her early mentors, who would recommend her for an innovative education program following the Detroit Rebellion in 1967. Theresa’s recollections of that program were captured in a 2017 interview with Michigan Radio/The Detroit Journalism Cooperative, which may be heard at: www.michiganradio/education/2017-07-31/after-1967-one-program-had-great-success-educating-detroit-kids-so-why-did-it-end

After many years of success in the classroom, Theresa went on to become a reading specialist and administrator. Throughout her career with the Detroit Public Schools, Theresa made many good friends with whom she remained close after she retired.

Early retirement gave Theresa an opportunity to read her favorite novels and to pursue her interest in painting. More importantly, it allowed her to travel and team up with her tireless Mom, whose home was a place you could always go for incomparable, homemade Italian meals. When her Mom passed away, Theresa continued the tradition of welcoming family, friends and neighbors to her home during the holidays and special occasions. She greeted one and all with a big smile and even bigger heart.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Eugenio and Adelina Mazzei, her brother Albert Mazzei and his wife, Geraldine. She will be eternally loved and cherished by her sister Helen Irving (Glen Irving, dec), and brothers Alfred Mazzei (Donna), John Mazzei (Dessa), Dr. Richard Mazzei and Eugene Mazzei. She will be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews: Patricia Irving Cwiek, Mary Irving, John Irving, James Irving, Jean Mira, Michelle Fillinger, Cheryl Mazzei, Dr. Susie Mazzei, Teressa Mazzei, Michael Mazzei, Christopher Mazzei, Patrick Mazzei, Frankie Mazzei, John Mazzei, Rebecca Mazzei, Michael Mazzei, their partners and children, all of whom she adored and loved as her own. Theresa’s friendship will always be treasured by several close friends whom she considered family.

A Celebration of Theresa’s Life is planned for August, 2023.

Memorial donations may be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, www.cskdetroit.org