Age 89, Therese passed away peacefully at her home in Chelsea, Michigan on Monday, December 11, 2023. Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Mary Therese (Gary) Pilarski; Anne Marie (Bailey Matsuda) Smoke; and Rick (Amy) Smoke; three grandchildren John Pilarski, Hannah (Jake) Asbury, and Thomas (Julia Anderson) Pilarski; one great-grandchild Theodore Asbury; and eight nieces and nephews. Therese shared sixty wonderful years with Henry R. Smoke, Jr., who preceded her in death on December 5, 2021. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Gerard Deziel; and sisters, Norma Deziel, Rita LeBlanc, and Jeannine Strayhorn.
Therese was born November 22, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Adelard and Dora (Boisvert) Deziel. She was a dedicated Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist ⎼ three times retired.
Always active, she enjoyed golfing, gardening, swimming, bowling, making puzzles and most recently held a first row seat in chair volleyball. Therese regularly sought out a good game of Pinochle, Euchre, or Poker.
Therese loved travel as much as she did visiting an aquarium or museum as long as her family was part of the adventure. Generous of heart, she was a devoted friend and adopted “mom” to many, and always available and ready to help anyone in need.
Therese was devoted to the Catholic church and engaged in many church activities and spiritual initiatives from religious education to serving as a Eucharistic Minister. She volunteered for the American Red Cross, and tutored school children at a local elementary school through a program at her senior living community.
Mostly, Therese had an easy smile, welcoming generous heart, she loved to laugh and will be missed by many.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9086 Hutchins Road, White Lake, Michigan 48386. A rosary will be led at 10 a.m. at the church. All are welcome.
Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Andre's Inner Healing Ministry, Maya Missions, St. Jude's Shrine.
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