Theresa (Terry) Magdeline (Bitz) Gieselman

It is with heavy hearts that we share in the sudden passing of Theresa (Terry) Gieselman, in Jasper, on March 20, 2021 at the age of 93. On the first day of spring, mom quietly slipped away in her home, while getting ready for her day.

She is survived by her loving children, Gordon (Judy), Brenda (Ron) and Judy, one sister, Shirley Muglich of Chilliwack, and a number of devoted and loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and two sisters-in-law. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Leon in 2015 and son, Norman in 1968.

Theresa was born in Dodsland, Saskatchewan, to Stephen and Bertha Blitz, the fourth of seven children. The family later settled in Chilliwack, where she met our dad, recently returned from overseas. They were married 68 years.

As a devout and engaged Catholic, faith, family and friendship were at the top of her list for a loving and happy life.

Terry was an independent, strong willed woman and everyone knew her as a fashionista. She was an ardent golfer and curler. She recently had been watching the Briar and Scotties, coaching wins and scolding bad shots. She loved to sing and dance and belong to many choirs and dance groups. Her love of curling and golf kept her on the competitive edge, while the love of singing and dancing smoothed out that intensity.

She was passionately involved in community and charitable organizations and found time for giving to the greater cause. She was a life-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Catholic Women’s League and a champion of the CIBC Run for the Cure.

Jasperites remember mom working at SaveRite, Parkview and Parks Canada during her long work career. In 1980 Terry and Leon retired to the Shuswap, first Celista and then Chase, always on waterfront, where they were able to spend many long summers with their family and friends. They wintered in Mission, Texas for a number of years, enjoying a happy and active lifestyle there.

After Dad passed away in 2015, Mom was able to join her family here in Jasper, taking up residence at the Evergreens Alpine Summit Senior’s Lodge, where she enjoyed a busy, fun filled life, in true Gieselman fashion.

Cremation has taken place and mom will be interred sometime this summer, alongside her husband, Leon and son, Norman in the Jasper Cemetery.

Our sincere thanks to the residents and staff at Alpine, as well as her many friends who all helped to make her life so full. Also, to the medical team, first responders and Jasper Victim Services and to everyone who has taken the time to share their stories and memories with us.

Donations in Theresa’s name can be made to Jasper Victim Services, the Alpine Summit Senior’s Lodge or CIBC Run for the Cure.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theresa (Terry) Magdeline (Bitz) Gieselman, please visit our floral store.