Theresa Lynn Langlois

Through the life of Theresa Langlois, we are reminded that there is little value found in accumulating great wealth or possessions, but that it is in deeply loving those around us that we are richly blessed. She was a woman who worked hard and was content in all things - one who embraced both the peaks and valleys along her lifes journey. Theresa, known as Therese by her sisters, was all about family and shared a close relationship with her mother. Life will never be the same without her here, but her memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of those who were blessed to know and love her. The decade of the 1950s was a vibrant time in America as the cultural fabric of our nation was undergoing great transformation. This was the decade that welcomed both Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states while I Love Lucy, Father Knows Best, and Lassie became part of homes from coast to coast with the explosion of the television. Rock n roll was the hottest craze with artists like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis topping the charts, and toys like Barbie dolls and G.I. Joe figures delighting young children everywhere. Nestled within this colorful time was the year 1955 that brought a bustling family great joy as they welcomed a baby girl into the fold on July 4th. Theresa Lynn was the youngest of four girls born to her parents, ONeil and Audrey (Smith) Langlois. Although she was born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, she was raised in the family home in Shepherd, located just to the southeast of Mount Pleasant alongside her older sisters, Leona, Nancy, and Sally. This would be the home Therese lived in for the majority of her life. In many ways Therese experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. Her father spent many years working as a carpenter and mason before putting in ten years working as a custodian for Central Michigan University. Theresas mother was a homemaker. Because Sally was the sister who was closest to Theresa in age, the two were often partners in crime. Fights between them were fairly typical, and usually eventful as well. On one occasion Sally helped Therese chip a tooth while they were playing together. Not wanting to be left out, Nancy accidentally bopped Therese in the nose with a baseball bat. When undergoing a procedure that involved her nose years later the doctor asked Therese about a possible nose injury, which she didnt connect with the baseball bat incident until Nancy kindly reminded her of the unfortunate episode! After graduating from Shepherd High School in 1973, Therese went on to Lansing Business College for a time. With her formal education behind her she was ready to hit the ground running. Theresas first job found her at Central Michigan University where she remained for about one year. From there she moved to Midland to work at CFC Data Finance and then to Bechtel Nuclear. However, the bulk of her career was spent at Coca-Cola, working in both Bay City and Lansing for a bit before returning home to work at the Coke plant in Mount Pleasant. Later on, illness required Therese to leave Coca-Cola, but once she recovered she worked at TB Woods in Mount Pleasant until she finally worked for Central Michigan Universitys Global Campus. Although work was an important part of her life, Theresas greatest joy was found in the relationships she shared with others. Throughout her life she shared such a special bond with her mother since she was the baby of the family. It was Therese who was a constant presence in her mothers life after the death of her father since her sisters were all at such a busy place in their lives. Therese loved her nieces and nephews as though they were her own children, and was affectionately called Tee-Tee by them. She treasured her friendships as well and stayed in touch with former co-workers from her various out of town jobs. It was not uncommon for Therese to go visit them at times. For ten years she was in a committed relationship with a man named Bill Bacon. Through the years Theresas life was enriched in so many ways. She traveled to France and visited Normandy, and she also took a couple of riverboat cruises with some girlfriends. Additionally, Therese went to Las Vegas a couple of times and also visited Southern California and traveled down into Mexico. She loved being home where she did a lot of crocheting and reading, often books on war. Therese also liked historical war documentaries on television and learning all about the backstories of a variety of wars. With an independent and adventurous spirit as her constant companion, Theresa Langlois enriched the lives of so many around her. Even when faced with her own health struggles her greatest concern was for the welfare of her friends and family out of the genuine love she had for so many within her reach. Theresa could be just like her father when she was mad, yet her overall demeanor was kindhearted and gracious. She will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished. Theresa Langlois passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant with family and friends by her side. She was 57. Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 1, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with the Rev. Nancy Casey-Fulton officiating. Burial will be in Lincoln Township Cemetery near Shepherd. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice or Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund. Please visit www.charlesrlux.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.