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Theresa Ann (Swailes) DenBeste

MARQUETTE, MI – Theresa Ann (Swailes) DenBeste, age 90, and longtime Marquette resident passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility where she had resided for the last four years.

Theresa was born in Brimley, Michigan on July 30, 1930 to Charles and Mary Frances Swailes. She graduated from Brimley High School. On September 5, 1953, she married Wayne DenBeste and together they raised five children. In the mid 70’s Theresa was one of the first people in the Upper Peninsula to have open-heart surgery and she was one of the founding members of the “Open Heart Club”. The medical team certainly did an awesome job!

Theresa spent her life caring for her loved ones and getting together with family and friends. The majority of the gatherings at the DenBeste home involved a large meal, which seemed to effortlessly appear. Theresa never figured out how to cook for just herself and Wayne. Theresa enjoyed walking with her friends at Presque Isle, the Park Cemetery and in inclement weather the Superior Dome. She also enjoyed all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. As a hockey sister, mother and grandmother she was particularly tied to the sport. She spent countless hours at the Pular, Palestra and Lakeview Arenas. She continuously had a child or grandchild in Marquette Junior Hockey for over 50 years. Theresa could be found watching games well into her 80’s.

Survivors include her husband, Wayne DenBeste, daughter, Deann (Al) O’Dell, son, David DenBeste, daughter, Patti (Mike) Rizzio, son, Dirk (Michelle) DenBeste, nine-grandchildren; Krista (Andrew) Schupp, Kari (Bill) Wiesner, Jenna O’Dell, Andrew Contois, Adam Contois, Katie (Andrew) Cherniwchan, Lindsey (Nathan) Lee, Eric Rizzio, Spencer DenBeste, and six great-great children; Sawyer Schupp, Quinn Schupp, Ian Wiesner, Bode Wiesner, Weston Lee, and Madalyn Lee.

Preceding Theresa in death were her parents, brother, Charlie Swailes, sister, Katherine Hopper and her beloved daughter, Mary DenBeste Contois.

Due to COVID-19, no service will take place at this time. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Theresa will be laid to rest at Park Cemetery in Marquette.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for their exceptional care of Theresa over the last four years.

Please share a memory with Theresa’s family by visiting her webpage at www.fassbenderswanso nhansen.com

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.