It is with deep sadness that the family of Theresa Marie Istace share the news of her sudden passing on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the age of 84 years.
Theresa leaves to mourn her daughters, Cheryle (Troy) Troendle, Karen (Vernon) Petracek, Bonny (Ray) Sopko, and Tracy (Don) Naka, and sons, Kevin (Kathleen) Istace and Darren (Amber) Istace. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Shannon (Nicola) Troendle, Chelsie (Kraig) Maley, Keanna (Nevan) Trombley, Chad Petracek, Amy (Mike) Hudacek, Courtney Sopko, Taylor (Levi) Harvey, Braden (Meg) Istace, Travis Smyth-Messer, Mason (Kayla) Smyth-Messer, Jaxon (Trystan) Messer, Maria (Anthony) Naka, Hiroshi Naka, Owen (Julie) Istace, McLaren Istace and Keaton Istace. Her great grandchildren, Blaze Gedak, Hayley Petracek, Easton Petracek, Jep Hudacek, Alexis Mihalyko, Liam Maley, Aubrey Maley, Kip Hudacek, Walker Smart and Beckham Trombley.
Theresa is survived by siblings, Marlene (Ron) VanDresar, David (Anita) Maier, Walter (Darlene) Maier, Cecelia (Urbain) Istace, Joan (Ken) Bowley, Stanley (Dorothy) Maier, Robert Maier, Patricia (Richard) Thompson and sister in laws Gloria Maier and Ada Cancade. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Family was very important to Theresa and she was always happiest when she got to see members of her family for a visit.
Theresa was predeceased by her husband, of 51 years, Emile, in 2012 and her grandson, Shawn Sopko, in 1997. She was also predeceased by her parents, Albert and Nancy Maier, as well as her father and mother in law, Rene and Juliette Istace. Theresa was predeceased by her siblings, Lloyd (Marie-Helene) Maier, Gerald Maier, Joseph Maier, and Barbara Ann Maier. She was also predeceased by her in laws, Albert and Laurette Istace, Charlie and Eva Vargo, Les and Yvonne Trail, and John Cancade.
Theresa was born on December 23, 1940 at Grenfell, Saskatchewan and grew up in the Broadview/Oakshela/Langbank area. After high school, she became a nurse’s aide working at the Broadview Hospital. She married Emile Istace on June 1, 1960 and together they operated a cattle and grain farm together in the Kennedy district until their retirement in 1993. During this time Theresa also worked at the Kipling Hotel and as a special Care Aide at the Willowdale Lodge. They moved to Kennedy in 1984 and resided there until 2012. Theresa relocated to Weyburn in 2014 and enjoyed her retirement. She became very active in the community working at the golf course, McKenna Hall and volunteering as president of the Wheatland Senior Centre from 2022-2025. She was also active in the CWL and the St. Vincent de Paul parish.
Theresa’s faith was a huge part of her life. She was an active CWL member, serving as president of the Regina Archdiocese from 2003-2005. She also completed her pastoral care and lay ministry courses. Working with youth choirs was a particular joy in her life.
Theresa’s passions included attending and following her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities. Playing cards, crocheting, quilting, doing puzzles, gardening and travelling were pastimes she enjoyed. She was involved in her community volunteering with the Kennedy Friendship Club, CWL, Weyburn Wheatland Center, Kennedy Memory Garden, Regional and Provincial Catholic Diocese and the Kennedy Rodeo Association. Theresa also loved singing, working with choirs and teaching catechism. She also spent time daily reading her bible and living her faith. Coming from a large family, Theresa always treasured family celebrations and get togethers. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Prayers will be said on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, Saskatchewan and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm at St. Vincent de Paul, 314-3rd Street North East, Weyburn, Saskatchewan with Father Valentine Amobi presiding at both. For those unable to attend in person, a Livestream/Recording of the mass will be available at Theresa's Memorial site at the Fletcher Funeral Chapel Website. Mass will be followed by a gathering at the McKenna Hall at 317- 3rd Street North East, Weyburn, Saskatchewan.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa’s memory can be made to CNEWA Canada online at cnewa.org or to the Weyburn And District Hospital Foundation at Box 1416, Weyburn, Saskatchewan S4H 3J9 .
Condolences may be left at: http://www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com
Services in Care of
Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services
Weyburn, Saskatchewan
306-842-5432