Therese Docis Moomaw of Grand Rapids and formerly of Sawyer, Michigan, died peacefully at the age of 93 surrounded by her family on March 26, 2023, after a short illness.
Visitation will be at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive, Ada, MI 49301 at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Three Oaks Road, Three Oaks, Michigan, on Friday, March 31, at 1:30 p.m.
Therese was born on December 6, 1929, in Waukegan, IL to John and Anna (Burba) Docis and moved to Toledo, OH as a young girl. She graduated from Central Catholic High School and joined the workforce where she met her future husband, William (Bill) Moomaw. They married in 1953 and raised five daughters—Sarah Preisinger, Carol Krieger, Ann (Dan) Sullivan, Mary Moomaw, and Janet (Karen KC Cohen) Moomaw. In 1969, they moved to Sawyer, MI, where she actively volunteered with St. Agnes Catholic Church, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, and numerous other organizations throughout her life. She moved to Grand Rapids in 2015 several years after her husband passed away to live closer to her daughters.
Therese was a wonderful mother to her five daughters and to many others she met along the way. She was an avid bridge player and loved sharing the game by teaching it to others who were interested. She began playing golf in her fifties and took up the computer in her sixties.
Therese was a beloved grandmother to five—Patty (Sullivan) and Craig Babbitt, Colleen Sullivan and David Nicholson, Jennifer (Krieger) and Cory Juliano, Billy Sullivan, and Emily (Krieger) and Corey Lubbers. She was great grandmother (GG) to eight—Carsyn, Zoey, Harper, and Dalton Juliano, Tessa and Charlotte Babbitt, and Cleo and Stella Lubbers. Therese also had 19 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Moomaw, grandson Billy Sullivan, son-in-law George Preisinger, sister Barbara Docis, and brothers Tom (Joan) Docis, Joe Docis, and Chuck Docis. Therese is also survived by sisters-in-law Marleen Docis and Pat Docis.
Memorial donations may be made to West Michigan Hospice at 318 E Main Street, Suite F
Lowell, MI 49331, Make a Wish Foundation at 7600 Grand River Ave. #175 Brighton, MI 48114, or the charity of your choice.
12 Responses
To ALL the Moomaw girls, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom always had a smile on her face and was such a delight to talk with. Your mom always made me feel right at home when at your house. RIP Therese
Therese was the sweetest! Always a smile, always caring! Know she will be missed by many! Peace, love and hugs to the family!
Dear Mary,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Mother sounds like a wonderful and generous person, and she raised you to match her.
Fondly.
Musette
Your mom was such a great person to all and will be missed and remembered by many. The mention of your mom being willing to teach bridge to others brought back a memory of that exact thing. She helped some of us newbies when she lived in Bridgman. Your mom was always up for fun! RIP Therese.
I could not have asked for a greater Mother-In-Law. Therese was honest, supportive, and caring. Most of all she gave me the greatest gift one could get. God bless you Therese.
Carol & family,
My heart aches for your loss. May your parents rejoice at being reunited in Heaven. Praying for you.
Love, Leigh
Seems trite for me to just leave a note here for my beloved extended family, but my social footprint is rather small. I have many fond memories of my Aunt Therese, and will miss her. We were lucky to have basked in the light of her life. Best wishes to the “girls”, I miss you all.
Mary,
Thinking about you and your family as you mourn the loss of your mother but also celebrate her wonderful life.
Linda
Mary & all your sisters:
Your mother’s smile in the photo brings back memories from HS. Beautiful lady , may she rest in peace
Therese treated me like her own daughter, with her listening ear, kind ways, and common sense. She showed joy in living a good life. Her family was everything to her. I am grateful to have known her and her daughters.
Thinking of all the Moomaw girls and your sweet parents. Will have you in my prayers.
love you gg miss you all the time