Theresa Papworth

It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, Theresa Papworth (nee Gergel) on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at the age of 92 years. Theresa passed away peacefully at the West Highland Centre in Lethbridge.

She leaves to mourn her passing her 5 children, John (Cynthia), Richard (Gloria), Janet (Gerry) Mireault, Lawrence and Gerald (LaRhonda); 14 grandchildren Kurtis, Kristin (Cody) and Kelsey (Perry) Jeffrey (Nichole), Kyle (Kara) and Landon (Jillian)  Amy (Chris)  Daniel, Jesse (Amber) and  Corey (Eimy) Jereme and Randi, Laura and Georgia and 6 great-grandchildren Kenyon, Kayden, Aria, Henrik, Milo and Aspen. She is also survived by her sister Lillian Davies (John).

Theresa was predeceased by her husband Richard (Dick) Papworth in 2011, her daughter-in-law Valerie in 2017, her brother John Gergel in 2020 and her brother Jack Gergel in 1959.

Theresa was born in Czechoslovakia in 1927 and came to Canada in 1928. She grew up on a farm near Turin and worked hard as a young girl helping her parents to farm, cook and tend to many chores. She married Dick Papworth in 1953 and moved to a farm in the Sundial area and resided there for 40 years. There she worked endlessly while raising five children. She always welcomed visitors to stay and have a home-cooked meal. She always loved making things and that included sewing, weaving, quilting and even crocheting. She was a long-time member of the Sundial Handicraft Club sharing many special times together.

Her greatest love were her 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She loved spending time with them whether it be shopping, eating or just watching curling, hockey or baseball. She and Dick attended numerous hockey and baseball games as well as skating events to cheer them along.

They retired into Lethbridge in 1992 and spent over 20 wonderful years travelling and spending quality time with family and friends.

After Dick's passing, Theresa moved into Black Rock and then spent her final year at the West Highland Center. 

We would like to thank the staff for taking care of our very dear Mother.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, February 28, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Glenda Wert, officiating. A Private Family Interment will be held prior in Archmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you make a donation to the town of Picture Butte for the new Picture Butte Swimming Pool. Theresa loved to help out anywhere pertaining to children's recreation, 120 4 Street North (12.67 mi) Picture Butte T0K 1V0.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theresa Papworth, please visit our floral store.