In loving memory of our spirited mother, Theresa Wilkinson, whose zest for life and infectious energy brightened every room she entered, we celebrate a remarkable woman who was truly the life of the party. Theresa passed into eternal life on December 19, 2025, at Fountain Bleu Senior Care Center in Livonia.

Born on July 3, 1939, and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, she was a city girl at heart, thriving in the hustle and bustle that shaped her vibrant spirit. Growing up in an Italian family that owned butcher and produce shops, she developed an early appreciation for quality food, which blossomed into her lifelong love of cooking. With the ability to whip up a meal from whatever was in the fridge, Mom needed no recipe to create magic in the kitchen.

Her adventurous nature was fueled by her Irish father, a dedicated firefighter, whom she often joined in chasing fires. This sense of adventure was matched by her closeness with her two brothers, John and Norm, who taught her everything from cars to self-reliance. Her love for music was evident in her spirited singing with the choir and her passion for dancing to big band tunes.

Mom was a financial whiz, working in a bank where she not only excelled but also taught her children the value of money through meticulous ledgers of allowances and purchases. She married Dad in 1962, and they soon embarked on their journey to Michigan. Together, they shared a love for travel, spending summers at the Muskoka Lakes in Canada and cultivating a family tradition of cruising the world, with Mom meticulously planning every detail and keeping records of their adventures.

A natural hostess, Mom was the heart and soul of countless dinner and Halloween parties, forming lifelong friendships during Dad's television career. Her love for flowers was evident in her beautiful arrangements, and her network of girlfriends made her a pioneer of "girls' nights" before they became a trend. With a welcoming home that was always open to friends and family, she offered a pot of Lipton tea, a good laugh, and her wise counsel to anyone in need.

For over 30 years, she was a dedicated Avon representative, and alongside Dad, she managed investment rental properties and ran a successful home staging business called "First Impressions." Her involvement in the American Business Women's Association reflected her commitment to empowerment and community. Passionate about childhood development, she worked as a Teacher's Assistant and was actively involved in her own children's school activities, from PTA to sports and cheerleading.  Her dedication to life was demonstrated by her relentless support of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) .  Annually, Theresa helped organize and implement the JDF's Evening of Brilliance at the Ritz Carlton to raise funds to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

An animal lover, she cherished her pets, and her enthusiasm for life extended to watching football, playing golf, swimming, and snorkeling. Her trips to the Windsor casino were filled with laughter and lively conversations, as she had an uncanny ability to make friends wherever she went.

Theresa is the beloved wife of the late Charles, who recently passed away on September 23, 2025.  Surviving are three devoted children, Karen (fiancé Wayne Moroso) Wilkinson, John Wilkinson, and Laura (John) Rigdon; and cherished grandchildren, Grant Goelde and Emma Rigdon.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Catherine Francis, John (Dorothea) Francis and Norm (the late Liz) Francis.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral in downtown Farmington on Saturday, January 10, from 1-3 pm.

In addition to the JDF, memorial contributions are also deeply appreciated to the Alzheimer' s Association .

Our beloved mother leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a reminder that life is meant to be celebrated. Her spirit will forever dance in our hearts, a testament to a life lived joyfully and with boundless generosity.