Theresa Verhaegh

My Life Story They say the best death is “sudden and unexpected”. While true for the person who died, death is hard for those left behind. On Sunday, January 21, 2018 suddenly and unexpectedly our Mother/Grandmother/Great-Grandmother Theresa Verhaegh ”Oma” went to heaven to be with her parents and her beloved husband, John. Born October 10, 1930 near Maastricht, Netherlands. Her idyllic childhood ended suddenly May 10, 1940 when the German Army invaded in their push to conquer Western Europe. World War II was impactful on Theresa’s life. Her father Jacob, a Dutch Army officer, was sent to a P.O.W. Camp. Theresa saluted US General George Patton and his Sherman Tanks as they were liberated. Unfortunately her father died a war hero two weeks before the war’s end. Theresa’s mother was overwhelmed by her loss sending Theresa and her younger brother, Andre to an orphanage. In 1952 Theresa immigrated to London Ontario Canada sailing on the Dutch Liner Maasdam to Halifax Nova Scotia. She married John Verhaegh honeymooning in Niagara Falls. In 1958 John and Theresa, pregnant with son, Wayne, moved to Granada Hills, CA. A few years later son, Christopher, was born. John and Theresa became naturalized US citizens in the mid-1960s. An avid bowler, Theresa bowled in leagues for almost 30 years before doctors advised her to quit. John proudly worked as a Union Carpenter before retiring in 1988. Theresa was a homemaker; babysat neighborhood kids, cleaned houses and did laundry/ironing. They moved to Boise in 1990. Theresa loved to work. First at Boise Kmart on Americana, then Nampa Kmart. Christmas time she would dress up as Mrs. Claus. She crocheted blankets donating to churches and crisis pregnancy organizations. In 1997 Theresa and her shelter dog, Nehemiah, moved to Nampa. Theresa really stepped up when her oldest grandson, RJ (who has Autism) graduated high school moving in with her attempting to live somewhat independently. As Theresa aged she lost her independence. Failing eyesight took away her driver’s license. She moved to Boise to be closer to family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Maria and husband, John. She is survived by her brother, Andre (Jacqueline); sister, Kitty; sons: Wayne (Rozelle) and Chris (Karen); grandchildren: Harmony, Veronica (Wade), Rutger, Joey and Timmer; great-grandchildren: Cora and Edwin along with countless nieces and nephews. The family thanks those who showed Theresa kindness: her neighbors, the people at Meals on Wheels, her Mailman, especially Helen Doyle, The Sunday Home Visitors from Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Parish, and Ray from Norco. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 1500 E. Wright St. in Boise on Thursday, February 1st at 11:00 am with a gathering and light lunch to follow. Everyone is encouraged to join us. Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian.