Theresa Weller

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Theresa Weller had the ability to share all of these with others, never thinking about herself. She was a woman with a warm and giving heart and could always be counted on as a support for those close to her and a shoulder to lean on. The 1950s were an exciting decade in our nations history as America strode confidently from the ashes of World War II into a new age of prosperity. It was in these times of progress that Americans discovered the proximity of the suburbs, the convenience of dishwashers and the swinging sounds of rock and roll. In the quiet suburbs of Muskegon, Michigan, Ronald and Norma (McCarthy) McClatchy welcomed the birth of their daughter, Theresa Ann, on September 24, 1958, the second of their two children. Theresa led a typical childhood of the time, though her parents divorced when she was quite young. She lived with her mother, but still spent lots of time with her dad. He had horses at his house, but Theresa was somewhat afraid of them and didnt ride much. Eventually, her mother remarried to Dick Drummond and he brought 7 children of his own into their family. Then, her mom and Dick had two more children, making Theresa one in a family of 12. Theresa received her education attending Beach Elementary and Fruitport Jr. and Sr. High School, where she graduated with the class of 1976. A year later, Theresa delighted in the birth of her first child, daughter Jennifer. Soon, Theresas life was changed in even more ways when she met Randy Weller and they fell in love. The two were eventually married, and welcomed the birth of their son, Eric, in 1981. The family of four soon settled into a home on Taylor Street in Muskegon. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Theresa worked at Johnson Technology until a strike left her without work. She then decided to pursue an education in nursing, taking classes at Muskegon Community College. After being certified as a Registered Nurse, Theresa went to work at Mercy Hospital for a while before taking a position in the Neo-Natal Unit at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids. Unfortunately, it was during this time that Theresa and Randys 10-year marriage ended. Theresa was a passionate, caring and determined woman who dedicated her life to helping others. Aside from her work as a nurse, she was devoted to her children and making sure they were well cared for. Theresa enjoyed keeping her kids active in sports and dance activities, and they took several memorable family trips to Mackinaw Island and California. When they were grown and she had an empty nest, Theresa liked to entice them back for a visit with some Scribbs pizza and a game of cards. During the summer, Theresa and her daughter Jennifer liked to go bargain hunting at garage sales; Theresa knew how to barter for a good price, something she passed on to her kids. One of her prized possessions was her hot rod T-top Trans Am, which she loved to cruise around in. As Theresa grew older, she was blessed with 4 precious grandchildren, and she poured the same amount of love into these relationships as she did with her own children. She loved to support them in their school activities, whether it was attending their sports events or band activities. Theresa also attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where other family members went. Theresa eventually left Spectrum Hospital and began teaching nursing students at Stepping Stones as well as doing in-home nursing care through St. Johns Health in Grand Haven. With such a nurturing and caring nature, it was only natural that Theresa felt she needed to watch out for her younger brothers and sisters, and even tried to help some of her sons friends, who perhaps faced some challenges in their lives. She had a way of lifting someones spirit and putting a smile on their face. However, in 1990, Theresa faced a great challenge of her own when she lost her beloved mother, a profound loss that stayed with her the rest of her life. Over the course of her life, Theresa faced her share of challenges which, despite knowing the long term health consequences, she just couldnt beat it. She would do well for a while, but eventually she would slip back into old habits. Over time, it did begin to affect her health and she passed away on Monday, January 10, 2011, at Mercy Hospital, at the age of 52. Theresa knew the responsibilities of a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Yet, it will be her giving nature and good humored spirit that will be missed and last forever in the memories of those who knew her. Theresa is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Todd) Venema of Whitehall; son, Eric Weller of Muskegon; grandchildren, Zachery, Krista, Kayleb, Skyler; brothers: Gary (Marilyn) Drummond, James Drummond, John (Cheryl) Drummond, Larry Drummond, Michael McClatchy, William (Amanda) Drummond, all of Muskegon; sisters: Linda Ahearn of Lowell, Cathy Bradley, Rhonda (Randal) Egtvedt of Ada, Sheryl (Robert) Smith of Muskegon, Jean (Charlie) Sandee of Walker. She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Drummond; father, Ron McClatchy; stepfather, Dick Drummond; and grandmother, Sophie McClatchy. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 13, at 3:00 p.m. at Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Visitation will be on Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service. Please visit Theresas personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.