February 17, 1937 – February 25, 2015
at the age of 78 years

UPDATE:
Celebration of Life:  Saturday, March 21, 2015, 11:00 a.m., Fischer’s Funeral Services, Salmon Arm

It is with great sadness that I inform all who knew Marie Theresa Cilenas Gervais (Known as Theresa) passed very peacefully with family surrounding her.
Theresa leaves four Children Diane (Greg), Don (Jean), Dave (Noella), and Debbie (Lyle), nine Grandchildren Jason, Rob (Christel), Tara (Jason), Jamie (Amy), Derrick, Jodi, Kevin, Josee (Hans), Dan (Linesay), seventeen Great Grandchildren, Brynn, Emma, Memphis, Makena, Alexa, Jaxon, Angela, Marlee, Braxton, Alayah, Hayden, Haylee, Brooklyn, Parker, Marco, Sebastian and Chrystal K as well as one Great Great Grandchild, Jackson. Theresa also leaves five Brothers, Rheal (Jeannine), Rolland (Penny), Reggie (Lynn), Ronnie (Beverly) and Verne (Dianne).
She was predeceased by her Father; Joseph Derasp, Mother; Annette Beland, Sisters; Viola, Lucile, Aline, Jeannine, Denise and Brothers; Romeo and Robert. Theresa also leaves many nieces and nephews and so many cousins who all loved her infectious smile and kindness.
Theresa was born in Timmins Ontario, on Feb. 17, 1937. Her Parents Joseph and Annette both came from Quebec, Grandpa from Montreal and Grandma from Quebec City.
The Mining boom was on in the 40’s which is why grandpa pulled up stakes and headed to Wawa, Ontario, where there was 13 children living at my grand parents place.
Mom (Theresa) was a housewife and had four children Diane, Don, David, and Debbie. She sent them all to Roman Catholic school as mom was so committed to Mother Mary she wanted to make sure we had faith in our souls. And, we all do thanks to her……
After the kids got older Mom took on a job and worked in the restaurant business for 40 years. Her life was her work…she loved her soaps and you could not make a squeak when they were on or you would get that look.
Theresa lived most of her life in Wawa with stints in Kapuskasing, Timmins and Toronto. Her final place of residence was in Salmon Arm, BC for about four years or so.
Theresa was afflicted with dreadful disease called Progressive Nuclear Palsy (PSP). A neurological disease with no cure as of yet.
Knowing her prognosis, we had the opportunity to have all her kids be near for her 78th Birthday, which was Feb 17^th.
Theresa succumbed to the disease but fought it with such grace and smiled her way thru it. She once said you have to play the cards you have and that she did.
Theresa was surrounded by such a big family when she moved to Salmon Arm and was full love when she passed. I know firsthand as I was one of the family that was there.
The family would like to thank all those who helped Theresa, thru her journey, a special thanks to all nurses, LPN’s, and care aids at Hillside Village all who understood Theresa was trapped in a failing body, your care and empathy helped her in the most positive way…Memorial donations in Theresa’s name may be made to the Good Samaritan Society, Hillside Village, 2891 15th Avenue NE, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 2B6