Theresa Anne Massey

June 26, 1931 – January 29, 2023

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our beloved mother, nana, friend Theresa Anne Massey at the age of 91 years young.

Theresa was a mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, an aunty, and friend.

Theresa was predeceased by her loving husband Victor, her son Robert (Bob), her parents Claude and Cécile Joanisse, and brothers Émile, Paul, Laurent, Roger, Achille.

She leaves behind her daughter in law Kathy, son Cliff (Janet), daughter Nancy, and son Paul (Dawna). Brother Emmanuel (Toini), sister Dolores, sisters-in-law Ruth , Laurianne and Madeleine. Grandchildren Chantal, Teresa, Julie, Michelle, Shane, Christopher, Colton, Travis, Ryan, Lindsay, Samuel, Oliver, Bella, Amanda, Natascha, Alexandria. And 18 great grandchildren, and 6 great great children. And many special nieces and nephews.

She was born in Windsor, Ontario and she was the second oldest of 8 children. They moved to Hearst Ontario when she was a baby. She grew up on a farm with her 6 brothers and 1 sister. Schooling was a one room schoolhouse with a wood stove, all the grades in one room. She started working when she was 15 years old as a telephone switchboard operator. With her earnings she was able to purchase the family’s first refrigerator.

Theresa was an elegant woman. She was a strong willed, a determined successful businesswoman.

Through her many years and dedication as an Avon Territory Manager, she prided herself in hard work and obtained many awards for her outstanding service with Avon. One in particular stands out, she received the honour as one of the top 10 territory managers in Canada.

Theresa met Victor in Toronto. In 1975, she and Vic made the move to Winnipeg. It was in 1976 when they purchased their first hotel in Starbuck, MB. The beginning of a lifetime commitment to not only being soulmates, but very successful business partners. 47 years in the hotel business, a true lifetime commitment. They always made time to do what they truly enjoyed, travelling. Visiting family in Ontario or cruising the world was pretty well always on the calendar. When one trip was done, you knew the next adventure was booked shortly thereafter. She absolutely adored travelling; it was a passion.

Theresa also liked to participate in all kinds of activities. Her favorites were playing pool, playing bridge, going to movies, and going to concerts. When she couldn’t participate, she was a supporter. She enjoyed watching curling and cheering for the Winnipeg Jets.

Her greatest joy was her family. She loved hearing about her children and grandchildren’s busy lives. She always kept in touch with her sister’s and brothers’ families. She even kept in touch via text messages with some of her nieces and nephews!

She had an impeccable memory. She was fond of sharing stories from the old days and love to talk about her family, and sometimes about business. Her smile was contagious, and we will never forget it.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Riverview Health Centre, 3E floor Palliative Care Unit for their compassion and care for mom during her final days.

A celebration of life will be held on at 10:00 a.m. on June 26, 2023, at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Those who wish to join virtually can select "Join Livestream" below.

To leave condolences and share memories please visit her page at - www.thomsoninthepark.com

Les adieux ne sont pas éternels

Les adieux ne sont pas la fin

Ils signifient simplement que vous nous manquerez jusqu'à ce que nous nous retrouvions.

Goodbyes are not forever

Goodbyes are not the end

They simply mean we will miss you until we meet again.