Theresa Napier

Theresa C. Napier

(nee LaGesse)

Age 79 of Jackson, Tennessee and formerly Wilmington, Illinois passed away Friday, May 29, 2009, in Jackson.

Born April 11, 1930, in Hays, Kansas, Theresa was a daughter of the late F.J. and Josephine Catudal - LaGesse. She entered the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas in 1949 and faithfully remained there as Sister Francine until 1973. She was a graduate of Marymount College in Kansas and taught school for over 42 years, retiring from the Wilmington School District #209U in 1994. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Jackson, Tennessee, a former member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, and a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers' Association.

Survivors include her loving and devoted husband Clarence, one brother Robert (Dee) LaGesse, and one sister Yvonne (Fritz, deceased) Ross. Although Theresa and Clarence had no children of their own, their many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews absolutely adored her, as did many of her students throughout her teaching career. She's also survived by her dear friends the Jeremy Allott family of Wilmington, and her beloved poodle Rascal.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Arlene (Carl, deceased) Breth, and one brother Bernard (Vivian) LaGesse.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, June 11 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Steve Bondi and Deacon Don Dyer officiating.

Interment will be Friday, June 12, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

A memorial service will also be held on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Jackson, Tennessee, at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Thomas Kirk officiating.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Theresa's memory to the American Heart Association or to the Wilmington High School Foundation for Excellence.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-7621)