Theresa 'Tessy' White
Lieu de naissance : New Waterford, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Lieu de décès : New Waterford, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 3 août 2011
It is with broken hearts, that we announce the passing of Tessy White, aged 68, in her home at 585 St. Joseph St., New Waterford, on Aug. 3, 2011, surrounded by her loving family, who were there with her for the entire journey.
If a hero is an ordinary person who becomes extraordinary in exceptional circumstances, Tessy was a hero because of the diagnosis; grace and sense of humour she maintained in the face of a relentless disease: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
ALS is arguably the cruellest of fatal degenerative diseases; however, Tessy faced the disease with courage, dignity and never with self pity. Tessy succumbed after a 19-month battle with ALS and was fully engaged, dressed up and looking exceptionally beautiful until the last day of her life.
Tessy loved conversation and delighted in orchestrating family gatherings and when she could no longer attend the party, the party would come to Tessy. Although there were many difficult and challenging moments, only immediate family, close friends and caregivers (L & M) were present for them.
Tessy lived her life in faith and God was always present and at the forefront.
She was a CNA, teacher’s aide and the “rock” for many others during their own trials and tribulations. Tessy loved sewing, quilting, dancing and was an exceptional cook and amazing ‘baker.’
Tessy had a wonderful sense of humour, a trait which could only be overshadowed by her overwhelming compassion for those around her. Tessy was a strong and determined person, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend. Her motherly and grandmotherly love and nurturing nature will be forever present in the hearts of those left behind. Special credit must go to Joey, who, through his devoted care allowed Tessy to live at home until the end. Theirs is a true love story which is an inspiring legacy for their four children.
Born in New Waterford, she was the daughter of the late Ronald Edward ‘Eddie’ and Helen (Cormier) Gillis.
Tessy is survived by her most loving husband of 45 years, Joey; daughters, Joanne (Pete), Nancy (Darryl); sons, Robert (Setz) and David; six grandchildren who adored their grammy, Connor, Tessa, Mya, Cassie, Isabella and Layla; siblings, Raymond (Helen), Shirley (Eddie), Cubsie (June), Butch (Eleanor), Willena (Frank), Anne (Tom), Mike (Teresa) and Gerry (Peter); in-laws, Mary (Eddie), Ambrose (Marilyn), Agnes (Phonse), Greg (Donna) and Ann (Bruce) and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.
Besides her parents, Tessy was predeceased by a brother, Dougie and sister, Mary.
Visitation will take place Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, from 3-9 p.m., in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford.
The funeral mass is Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, at 10 a.m. in St. Leonard’s Church, Mt. Carmel Avenue with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, followed by a reception at St. Leonard’s hall, Convent Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society of Nova Scotia.
Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
Members of the KOC will gather at the funeral home Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. for prayer service.
