Theresa Carmella Fodale

Born on January 18, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, Theresa was the cherished daughter of Pasquale and Filomena (nee DiGemma) Dalessandro. She lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and community. She left a lasting impact on all who knew and loved her.

Theresa earned an associate degree in Secretarial Science from the University of Detroit in 1959. Throughout her professional career, she served as a dedicated secretary for General Motors, New York Life Insurance Company, and the Consulate of the Netherlands. Her dedication, professionalism, and warm personality were hallmarks of her work and relationships.

A devoted woman of faith, Theresa was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Parish in White Lake for over 30 years, and previous member of St. Michael’s Catholic Parish in Southfield. She generously shared her beautiful soprano voice with both St. Michael's and St. Patrick's choirs. She was also a proud member of the International Order of the Alhambra Sultanas and the Lily Society. In 1968, her grace, character, beauty, and community involvement were officially honored when she was crowned Mrs. Southfield.

Above all, Theresa treasured her family. She was the beloved wife of Francis J. Fodale for 65 years. As a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her greatest joy came from nurturing the family she adored and tending to her beautiful garden, where she especially loved to grow lilies and roses.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Francis J.; her children, Francis M. (Lisa) Fodale, Patrick (Lori) Fodale, Marie Collins, Phyllis Padmos, and Michelle (Ronald) Randall; her brother, John Dalessandro (Dawn Schaumburger); her grandchildren, Jessica (Morgan Maestas) Padmos, Christopher (Delancey) Padmos, Ashley (Jackson) Hanewich, Hannah (Ethan Cantor) Fodale, Abigail Randall, Jacob (Alyssa Vincent) Collins, Elizabeth Randall, Thomas Randall, Alyssa Fodale, and Katherine Fodale; and her great-grandchildren, Lyla and Liam Padmos, Mariella Vincent, Blakely Collins, and John Peter Hanewich. She was preceeded in death by her beloved brother, Philip (Darlene) Dalessandro. Her deep faith and devotion to family leave an enduring legacy for all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at the Elton Black & Son Union Lake Chapel, 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake, MI 48386 on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 5:00 p.m. The rosary will be led by

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Parish, 9086 Hutchins Rd, White Lake, MI 48386 on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with an in-state hour beginning at 10:00 a.m. Theresa will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Theresa Fodale to the St. Patrick's Music Ministry.

May her memory be a blessing to all who loved her.