Theresa Rech

Terry had a way of lighting up the room with her presence. She was charismatic with a strong sense of humour and a positive outlook on life. She never took things too seriously, but had a strong caring instinct. No matter where she went, she would manage to strike up a conversation; even with complete strangers. Those who had the pleasure of meeting her would remember her, even years later.

Terry was born Mary Theresa on April 14th, 1932 In Winnipeg, Manitoba to a working-class mother (Olga “Mary” Laba). Due to the conventions of the time, she would be raised with the help of the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Despite the challenges of this upbringing, she made lifelong friends and found a family who she would stay in contact with for many years afterwards. She would remain a devout catholic for much of her life.

Later, her and her mother would move into a home in Winnipeg’s north end. They worked together to make a life for themselves as two independent women in an era where this was not the norm. They would continue to be close friends for the rest of their lives.

Terry would enter the workforce with a clerical position at Samson and Shane Customs Brokers, continuing her independent nature. She got along well with her colleagues and management, and they maintained a good relationship for many years after she left the role.

As a young adult, Terry would make many friends in the neighbourhood. Including her dear friend Jean - whom she would call on the phone every night for decades. Jean would date and eventually marry a man named Bert Rech and Terry would date his brother, Henry. Then, in the fall of 1952 Terry married her soulmate, Henry “Hank” Rech. They were married for 45 wonderful years until his passing in 1997. She remained devoted to him for the rest of her life.

In 1958, Terry would welcome her daughter, Lynn (Manness). Her son Dean would come shortly after in 1959. After which she would retire from the workforce and become a committed stay-at-home mother to her two children. She had a single grandchild, Dylan who she adored and found great joy in caring for.

Terry was always interested in politics and world events. She was an avid reader of the newspaper and loved filling out the crossword puzzle. For many years, she went above and beyond her civic duty by volunteering at local polling locations during most elections. She loved to talk politics with anyone who showed interest, including her grandson.

Over the years, she would take trips around North America to sunny destinations with Henry and their friends. In the summer, she would spend her weekends at the cottage in Gimli, MB, gardening, relaxing, and cooking for whomever happened to visit that day. Later in her life, she enjoyed taking trips to the casino, having a few drinks in the lounge, and dining out with her friends. Terry managed to live independently in her own home until the age of 93.

Terry passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, September 26th, 2026. She was 94 years of age. She leaves behind her two beloved children, Lynn (Mitch) Manness and Dean (Tammy) Rech along with her cherished grandson, Dylan Manness. She was predeceased by her sister Jessie (Morris) in 2001, her mother Mary in 2005, and husband Henry in 1997.

Farewell to our sweet mom, grandma, and dearest friend Theresa. You are with The Lord, Hank, and your beloved friends. Thank you for blessing us with your light. We will miss you more than words can describe.

The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to the staff of Concordia Hospital and Oakview Place. Their compassion, care, grace, and sometimes patience did not go unappreciated.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request that people send monetary donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in her memory.

The family will be holding a small service to be announce at a future date.