The world lost a beautiful soul, Theresa M. Reed, peacefully at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw as Heaven welcomed her on August 24, 2023.
Theresa was born on September 10, 1945, to the parents of William T. Pumford and Elaine E. (Dey) Pumford. "Mother Theresa" was the oldest of nine children.
Theresa was so strong and fought a courageous battle, winning many health challenges to the end. She lived her life for God, her family and friends. She comforted so many and was a champion for the underdog. Her generosity was beyond belief, always putting others before herself.
She loved reading, saying the rosary, having her nails and hair done, spending time outdoors basking in the sunshine and being a helping hand at her assisted living where she lived for nearly four years. During that time, she enjoyed delivering the mail, playing bingo, crafting and being a rock for the residents, their families and staff. Above all, she loved her family dearly, and she will be missed immensely.
Theresa held many professional titles including, educator, school bus driver, ice-cream maker and caregiver, all with the common theme of helping those who needed it.
Theresa is survived by her children: Cindy (Todd), Bernie (Amy), Bruce (Barb) and Dan (Erika)
Grandchildren: Austin (Paige), Ciara, Mikayla, Hailey (Aaron), Bryce (Ashlyn), Chad (Kiera), Avery and Rowan
Siblings: Mike (Mary), MaryJo (Jack), Linda (Ken), Kathy (Tom) and Elaine
Honorary Sister: Lila
Special Friend: Barb
Theresa is preceded in death by her parents, William and Elaine: siblings, Billy, Chris, and Karrie and nephew, Billy
Theresa's Rite of Committal and Prayer Service was at St. Andrews Cemetery, officiated by: Father Raj Bandaru
Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, Mi and Music by Billy Petty-Worship Pastor Hopevale Church Saginaw, Mi
Songs consisted of:
"Scars in Heaven" by Casting Crowns
"Wings to Fly" by Lorraine Howard
"Just Be" by Kim Walker-Smith
~Theresa's Favorites:
God: Theresa would meditate daily in the courtyard to feel closer to Jesus and would listen to the song "Just Be' by Kim Walker-Smith
Religion: Catholic, loved to say the Rosary, going to mass at her assisted living, singing church hymns on Sunday and praying for others
Family: Theresa loved her family dearly, they were her world and vice versa
Color: Green
Food: Turkey salad, beef & cheddar sandwich, ground bologna sandwich, Filet-O-Fish, liver & onions and Chinese food
Drink: Frozen Coke
Desserts: Coconut brownies, black cherry pie, mounds candy bars, circus peanuts, apple fritters, junior mints, apples with caramel, no bakes, sugar cookies without frosting and marshmallow ice cream cones
o A candy dish, full of miniature candy bars would always welcome guest as they entered Theresa's home
Books: Amish Novels
Activities: Decorating her home (snowmen and apples were her favorite), talking on the phone, doing word searches, playing solitaire, bingo, arts & crafts, walking, and getting her hair and fingernails done.
o Theresa took pride in how her home was decorated and always wanted her hair and nails to look spiffy
Music: Daniel O'Donnell and Elvis Presley
TV: Hallmark Christmas movies, HGTV and TLC
Car: White Cavalier
Weather: Sun, sun and more sun! People would often comment on Theresa's golden tan
Favorite Sayings and/or Words of Wisdom:
o "It's always something"
o "Sometimes the hard things in life mean the most"
o “Two wrongs don’t make a right”
Childhood Place to Go: Grandma and Grandpa Dey's house and walking to the movie theater
Time of the Day: Theresa loved mornings, matter of fact she was born at 4:05 am
Theresa’s Acts of Kindness: Theresa was a giver, constantly thinking of others before herself.
~Gave to the children of India
~Gave clothes and shoes to residents who needed them and always made sure they had a Christmas gift
~Gave a stuffed cat to a resident who was scared to be alone at night
~Listened to and counseled residents, families and employees
~Buying birthday, baby and Christmas gifts etc. for her caregivers
~Planned special events for family and friends, always wanting people to feel special
~Was a voice for those who couldn’t talk or remember things
~Called those who needed a listening ear
~Watched after her two sisters who lived in the same assisted living facility
Below are verbal and sympathy card comments: *For more comments, please go to the tribute page
~I first met Theresa about a year ago when we were moving my mother into assisted living. Since then, it was always an excitement and joy to see her and have a chat with her when we came to visit. She was always positive and encouraging, especially to my mom. Always a smile on her face, I will miss her!!! She will always hold a special place in my heart.
~I felt privileged to have her friendship. She was a champion looking out for other residents, especially my mom. She will be missed.
~Theresa was so very special as you know. She touched many lives with her helpful spirit
~Theresa meant a lot to me. I enjoyed visiting with her, she was like my grandma.
~Many resident families said Theresa was always there for their parents
~Theresa was truly a special person and I am blessed to have known her. She made my life and my daughters better.
Signs from Heaven, shortly after Theresa passed:
Hummingbird Sightings: Multiple hummingbird “hovering’s” were seen shortly after Theresa passed, from a mountain top to many windows where hummingbirds were never seen before, even in different states.
Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbirds delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.
Note: Theresa’s Grandma Denese and Grandpa Elmer's gravesite are located to the west of her gravesite in the same cemetery: St. Andrews, Saginaw. Great grandparents Marie Exilda Odila "Adelia" Thibodeau Lafrance and Louis Lafrance are also in St. Andrews Cemetery along with brother Billy Pumford, Aunt Mary and many others
