THERESA SCHMUNK

Theresa Anne Schmunk  

November 26, 1925 ~ December 12, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Theresa Schmunk. Theresa passed away peacefully on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the age of 97 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Otto; her parents, Thomas and Mary Fitzgerald; her brothers, Frank, James and Bernard Fitzgerald; her sisters, Ella Bidwell, Kathleen Marchand and Eileen Fitzgerald; her daughter-in-law, Susan Schmunk and her grandson Danny Schmunk. Left to cherish her memory are their five children: Pat (Donna), Terry (Alicia), Brian, Robert (Sheila-Rae) and Mary Lou (Rod) along with their seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren as well as Theresa’s brother, Len. 

Theresa born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan on November 26, 1925, and was the seventh of eight children. There were four boys and four girls: Ella Bidwell, Frank Fitzgerald, James Fitzgerald, Kathleen Marchand, Bernard Fitzgerald, Len Fitzgerald, Theresa, and Eileen Fitzgerald. Her best friend was Ella growing up, who was also like a mother to Theresa.

Theresa graduated high school in 1945 from St. Joe’s Convent. She then entered St. Paul’s school of nursing 1946 in Saskatoon, for three years of full scope nursing. Theresa nursed at various country hospitals including Prelate, Eston, and St. Michael’s in Lethbridge working in pediatrics. 

While Theresa worked at the Prelate hospital, she attended a mascaraed dance with her best friend Sophie, where she met Otto Schmunk. Theresa then moved to Lethbridge to work at St. Michael’s in pediatrics. Otto followed and proposed in 1949. She married the love of her life on November 19, 1951, in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. They then moved to Leader, Saskatchewan. One year later Patrick was born, followed by Terry, Brian, Robert and finally a girl, Mary Lou. 

Life was busy but Theresa still found time to volunteer with the CWL, RCIA, Legion of Mary, visiting shut in’s as well as participating as a Eucharistic Minister and serving on Parish Communal. 

In 1986, Theresa and Otto traveled to Southern Texas and purchased a small piece of paradise. They enjoyed family and friends that they met there, often playing cards, with Theresa winning 99% of all the card games played. 

“To all gathered here today my message to you is keep your Faith; it is very important, it gives you direction and comfort in life. I thoroughly enjoyed all my family and friends’ gatherings.”

“Don’t be sad for me. I’m in the glory of God, in the arms of Jesus and reunited with my family.”

Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2 Avenue N.E. Medicine Hat on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Roque Pereira celebrant.  A time of fellowship will follow immediately thereafter in the St. Patrick’s Parish Hall.  Mass will be live streamed.  Anyone wishing to experience Theresa’s Mass may visit www.cooksouthland.com and select the View Broadcast button on the home page at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com)    Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”