Obituary of Theresa Brand

Theresa Zurawski was born in Toledo, Ohio on the fifth day of October in 1918. Theresa was one of eleven children born to the union of the late Joseph Zurawski and the late Mary (Boza) Zurawski. As a young woman prior to her marriage, Theresa performed several different tasks including factory work building automotive door panels, but she would meet the love of her life Norman Brand, and they were joined in marriage on September 28, 1940. Theresa appreciated the opportunity to be a homemaker and took her responsibilities seriously. The hard work paid off because her children stated that she was an excellent mother and wife. Following Norman's retirement Theresa and Norman moved several times and they spent more than twenty years as residents of Sarasota and Port Ritchie, Florida. Together they would share in the birth of three children and celebrate more than sixty-nine years of marriage prior to Normans passing on January 21, 2009. Theresa Brand age 91 of Monroe passed away at 3:50pm, Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Mercy Memorial Nursing Center. She had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to her parents and husband Norman, her passing was preceded by a beloved son: Thomas Brand who died in Vietnam; and nine brothers and sisters. Theresa's memory will forever be cherished by her daughter: Bonita (Jerry) Wheeler of Monroe; a son: Brian Brand of Allen Park; a sister: Esther Gitschlag of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 10:00am until a Celebration of her Life at 11:00am, Monday, March 8, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Father William Fisher pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Monroe will officiate. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park, in Huron Township for her entombment. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to any Vietnam Veterans organization or to the Humans Society of Monroe County. Online words of inspiration and comfort may be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.