November 3, 1927 ~ August 27, 2021 (age 93)
Therese Marie Champion (nee Tessier), aged 93, died peacefully at Hospice Huronia Tomkins House, Penetanguishene on Friday 27 August 2021.
Therese was born in Waubaushene, the thirteenth child of Joseph Tessier and Emma Tessier (nee Legault) and grew up in Penetanguishene; proudly calling this picturesque little town home for her entire life.
She married fellow Penetanguishene resident, Gordon Champion on 23 August 1948 at St. Anne’s Church and together they raised three children, Dona, Michael and Christine.
Therese prided herself on her work ethic and enjoyed a long and successful career as an occupational therapist at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (formerly known as Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene). She was very proud of the role she played in helping people hone the skills they needed to get back to the activities that were meaningful to their day-to-day lives and learn new skills to improve their self-esteem and quality of life.
Therese had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling to far away places but was always happy to return to the comforts of her home, family and friends. In her spare time, Therese enjoyed knitting, sewing and playing cards. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion Branch 68 and the Daughters of Isabella and shared many memorable adventures with the ladies of the local chapter of the Red Hat Society.
As a true Scorpio woman, Therese could be stubborn and controlling to a fault but she was also determined, ambitious, loyal and, at times, brutally honest. She was a very brave woman, who maintained a sense of humor right up until her final moments. She lived a long and fulfilling life as a wife, mother, sister and friend; she will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Therese is survived by her two daughters, Dona Champion (Sharon Sutter) and Christine Veall (Ian Veall). She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Champion, daughter, Jacqueline Champion, son, Michael Champion, her parents and 12 siblings.
A mass will held at St. Ann’s Church in Penetanguishene at 10am on Saturday 25 September 2021 followed thereafter by interment at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Penetanguishene.
A celebration of life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion, Penetanguishene on Saturday 25 September 2021 at 12:00pm.
Those wishing to honor Therese’s life can make a donation to Hospice Huronia Tomkins House.
“A Strong Woman is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow just as abundantly as her laughter. A Strong Woman is both soft and powerful. She is both practical and spiritual. A Strong Woman in her essence is a gift to the world.” – Motherhood.org
