OBITUARY
Teresa J. Mervenne
June 15, 1965 – April 5, 2021
On April 5, 2021, Teresa Jean Mervenne ran into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Victory is hers as she dances with her Father God in fields of grace. She was preceded in death by her parents Barb and Don Raaymakers, and Paul Patin; and fathers-in-law Fredrick Ressell and David Mervenne Sr. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, David Mervenne; siblings Sherry (Tom) Plaggemars, Mark (Donna) Raaymakers, Bob (Jamie) Raaymakers, Mike Raaymakers, Paula Pierce, and Don (Conny) Raaymakers; mother-in-law, Sandra Mervenne (Ressell); honorary parents Nick and Florence Tartaglione; sister-in-law, Dawn (Dave) Murphy; brother-in-law, Mike (Char) Mervenne; and cherished nieces and nephews.
Teresa spent many years as a nanny where she loved and cared for so many children. She then pursued a career as a dental assistant. She loved to fellowship and serve at Resurrection Life Church in so many ways including ushering, food pantry, deacon, welcome center, Christmas program decorations, and so much more. Teresa loved Jesus and expressed it daily to anyone and everyone with her "God-shined" personality and smile.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Cook Funeral Home (West building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021 at Resurrection Life Church (doors E and H), 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to service. The service will be livestreamed: https://youtu.be/gbiLWwrMfA8
The family wants to thank her special friend and nurse, Lori Hinken from Lemmen-Holten, for all of her loving care, as well as the Faith Hospice team. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Teresa, contributions may be made to Lavender Life Co. (https://lavender-life.com/pages/in-loving-memory-of-teresa-mervenne). The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.
DONATIONS
- Lavender Life Co.
Services
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Visitation
Thursday, April 8, 2021
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Visitation
Friday, April 9, 2021
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Funeral Service
Friday, April 9, 2021
Memories
Teresa J. Mervenne
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCynthia Harter
April 11, 2021
Teresa will always be remembered for her larger-than-life personality and the love she showered on our family.
You will be greatly missed and remembered fondly.
Love,
Cynthia, Chet & Peyton
Jana Tartaglione-Brain
April 9, 2021
I'll forever be grateful for the love and care Teresa showered over my parents. Her sweet, kind, and gentle nature always brought many smiles and much happiness to their lives. She will forever be their angel.
Victoria Lancaster
April 9, 2021
I have memories of Teresa as a young girl when she would look after me and my cousins, Nick and Joey. I am a writer so the best analogy for me to make is that if life were a novel Teresa's personality jumped off the page, her smile etched into my memory from when I was a little girl. The way she radiated joy was so visceral it made it larger than life yet attainable- to be grateful for each day and happy. I admire her closeness also to my grandparents, of whom I know she was a fourth daughter.
-Victoria Lancaster
Tia Lancaster
April 9, 2021
Dearest Dave-
Deepest sympathies from the Lancaster family. If we are lucky enough in this life we run across those particular individuals that enter a room and it's immediately filled with love. Teresa was one of those people - her spirituality was palpable, her smiles were eternal, and her eyes sparkled with joy! Anyone touched by her knows that the material world will be lacking without her presence, but the heavenly world is rejoicing! Teresa set the example for all of us -- Love and God Bless, Tia, Colin, and the girls
Beverly Rinzema
April 9, 2021
You are so precious to me Teresa! You are a light in shining armor. You wore the full armor of Christ that is described in Ephesians 6 from head to toe every day and night as you and Dave spoke life to every cell in your body. You are a witness and an encouragement to everyone around you. Our times together as couples is a highlight in our lives. You are the very best friend I am privileged to address you as to me in my own life. You are missed here on earth! The memories we share will always be with me. Thank You for your JOY and ENTHUSIASM in every part of life. Because you are in the arms of Jesus walking and dancing in Victory with Your Heavenly Father God in fields of grace, I can also rejoice even though I have tears of love for you. I love your smile and laughter and all the wonderful life experiences we share. Ken and I promise to be there for Dave, your awesome husband and dearest of friend. Bev Rinzema
Robin Kobel
April 8, 2021
Dave,
Our thoughts and prayers at the loss of Teresa. May the memories you made together fill your heart in the future.
Shelly & Bob Squires
Robin & Ron Kobel
Mark and Jeanne Nummerdor
April 7, 2021
Dave,
We are so deeply saddened to hear about Teresa. She was always such a kind and joyful person and a true light for the Lord! We were so glad that you both came to visit us in Jacksonville a few years ago. She will be greatly missed, but we know she is now in heaven and the loving arms of Jesus. May God give you comfort in the days ahead. We send you and all her family our love and deepest sympathy.
Matt and Becky Nummerdor
April 7, 2021
Dave, our hearts break for you, and we pray you feel comfort in knowing that heaven has gained an angel. You and Teresa were both so full of joy and life, and we'll always remember being able to get together in Arizona while you were here on vacation. She will be greatly missed!
Chantelle Kieft
April 7, 2021
She was the happiest most cheerful Lord following person I ever knew! I am blessed to have her come into my life by working with Dave at Family Fare. She touched my life in so many ways, I will surely miss her.
Karen Lewis
April 7, 2021
Karen Lewis
April 7, 2021
Teresa was my and my sisters’ nanny during her mid 20s, when I was in kindergarten. She was an unforgettable force in all of our lives, a beacon of joy and laughter and grace that encouraged us to love ourselves and each other in the most wonderful way. We are devastated to hear of her passing.
Among many memories...
-She encouraged us to dress up and do plays! She would help us to script them, come up with costumes, music, etc. Teresa even came up with a way to make stage effects during Sleeping Beauty and she never hesitated to get into costume herself. Most memorable is her playing my fairy godmother in Cinderella, in our living room.
-driving around in her red Ford Laser. She would let us shift the gears and would blast Erasure’s Oh L’Amour with the windows down - I still know all the words
-spending the night at Teresa and Dave’s townhouse, playing video games and feeling very grown up
-Teresa would put on the movie Pretty Woman for us, but would make us cover our eyes as she fast forwarded through all of the non PG parts (we mainly watched the shopping scene on repeat)
Teresa was a part of our family, and left an indelible mark on all of us. We loved her so much, and grieve with you all, especially Dave. Thank you for sharing her with us—I have two children of my own now and they will soon be the age I was when I met Teresa-if I can bring half the joy and love to their lives that she brought to mine, I’ll be incredibly proud.
Love,
Karen Lewis (Smith)
Florence Tartaglione
April 7, 2021
Teresa was to us our fourth daughter. She brought joy to us each time we heard her say in her cheerful voice “i’m Here!! We would dance and sing a little and then Teresa would start making our home shine . The angels she gave us will be a reminder to us that she is dancing with the angels in Heaven. Her courage in battling cancer was always with a smile even in the most difficult times. She always looked to brighten others lives. Her battle is ended and now she is at Home with the Savior. May He bring her peace and may David know that we love him very much as well. Mr.and Mrs. T.
Jan Hearn
April 7, 2021
What a beautiful soul! Teresa and I met a hand full of times so not much really, but I felt such a connection to her. She shined for Jesus, she adored her husband and in one occasion she shared how they met with such joy and love. Our Lord has welcomed her into heaven with open arms, "well done that good and faithful servant" - my deepest sympathy to you Dave, I know you are so broken right now and this new chapter in life is certainly not one you want to walk through - many prayers will continue for you, lean on your family and friends and of course, Jesus as He will NEVER leave you!
Stacy Price
April 6, 2021
Stacy Price
April 6, 2021
Charlie and Stacy Price
April 6, 2021
A beautiful soul, taken from us way too soon. Although we know she is rejoicing with her Lord, it is hard to fathom that we will not see her brilliant smile and hear her sweet voice. My heart breaks for Dave, who had to say goodbye to his best friend. Until we meet again, Teresa, you will be missed. 💔
Lori Hinken
April 6, 2021
Teresa holds a special place in my heart. She was always so positive and cheerful, even when her journey was hard. Her love for Jesus was so obvious and it brings such joy to know she is rejoicing in heaven with no more pain and suffering! I always looked forward to seeing her on Thursdays and will miss our time together. I am honored to have gotten to be her friend and nurse.