Thelma Ileen Teeple

Thelma Ileen Teeple, age 93, of Northville, formerly of a longtime resident of Sterling Heights and Rochester Hills, passed away on October 19, 2024.  She was born in Van Dyke Township, Michigan on November 29, 1930; daughter of Ernest and Myrtle (Frasier) Johnson. She graduated from Busch High School; class of 1948.

She met Thomas E. Teeple at a USO dance. He was stationed near her home to protect the factories in Warren that were converted to produce tanks and many other products to support the United States, both home and abroad. They were united in marriage on May 23, 1953; they spent 45 years devoted to one another until his death on December 25, 1998.

Thelma mastered shorthand and other secretarial skills, which were invaluable in her early jobs and would be helpful in her later jobs but her purpose in life was to be the best wife and mother she could be. She worked tirelessly to care for her husband Tom, their three children and their home in Bluffton, Indiana, which was her husband’s birthplace. They raised their children there for the first twenty-five years of their marriage, and then they returned to Michigan, where her heart longed to be, near her huge extended family.

Thelma worked as an Executive Secretary for Standard Federal in Troy where her exceptional organizational skills made her an invaluable asset to the company. Known for her thoughtfulness and kindness, she was beloved by her coworkers, always going out of her way to recognize their “special day” with a heartfelt card. She retired in 1995 after more than 15 years with the company.

Thelma was a dedicated and longtime member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Rochester Hills. She generously shared her sewing talents by creating lap blankets for parish members and receiving blankets for hospital preemies offering comfort and care to little ones on their first day home. In addition to her handiwork, Thelma was an active volunteer, assisting with the mass mailing of church announcements, always eager to contribute to her church family. She lived by the Golden Rule, which she learned from her mother.

Thelma’s mission was to know what everyone liked and needed, and she made it her  priority to ensure they had it. She had a talent for finding the perfect gift, spending hours scouring garage sales and Salvation Army stores to find just the right item for a family member or friend. Her generosity and thoughtfulness were unmatched, especially when it came to birthdays and anniversaries; she never forgot a special day.

Thelma devoted much of her life to caring for others, with her family always at the center of her heart. She was a constant source of support, always ready to help anyone in need.  She learned this too from her mother. Whether caring for loved ones during times of convalescence or caring for her mother in her final years, Thelma’s compassion knew no bounds. Additionally, her mother-in-law would come stay with them for a month during the summers after Thelma’s father-in-law passed away. A wonderful role model, she instilled this same caring nature in her children, leaving a legacy of kindness and selflessness.

Thelma’s greatest joy after her own children was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who affectionately called her Nana or Nana T. She cherished every moment with them, creating fun memories and taking them on countless adventures and sleepovers.

Thelma enjoyed the peaceful moments she spent on her porch watching the wildlife. She would always be sure to text her daughter and son about her animal encounters. Thelma’s boundless love and care for her family will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving children; Karen Wall, Michael Teeple, and Lisa (Chris) Compo; her grandchildren Whitney Teeple, Christopher “CJ” (Lindsey) Compo, Brandon Compo, Jessica (Tyler) Laing, Travis (Dakota) Compo, and Spencer (Devin) Compo; her great grandchildren, Christo, Wyatt, MeeRa Bella, Autumn, and Eviana; and the 2 more on the way; her siblings, Shirley Misiak, Margaret Smith, and Richard (Robin) Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces, and great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her sisters, Katherine Swanson and Bonnie Johnson; and her brothers, William Johnson, James (Jimmy) Johnson, and Ronald Johnson; her sister-in-law, Angele Johnson; and her brothers-in-law, Carl Swanson, Ted Misiak, Bill Smith.

A Time of Gathering will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service starting at 4:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville. A Celebration of Life Dinner to follow.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to either:

The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675

(supporting veterans through mental wellness, physical awareness, career and VA benefits counseling and personal independence)

OR

Hill City Church – Benevolence Fund, 50200 West 10 Mile Road, Novi, Michigan 48374

(covers emergency expenses like food, shelter, clothing, utilities, medical bills, etc. for local people in need).