Therese Marie Rabish Obituary
Therese Marie Rabish, a beacon of faith and selflessness, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at New Hope Bay Assisted Living. Born September 7, 1931, at Mercy Hospital in Bay City, Michigan, to the late James and Blanche (LaPorte) Ouillette, Therese's life was a testament to the enduring power of love and service.
A 1949 graduate of St. Michael's High School, Therese pursued her passion for healing and earned her Registered Nursing Degree from Mercy Central School of Nursing in Grand Rapids in 1952. On August 7, 1954, she married Edward Rabish at St. Michael's Catholic Church, beginning a 62-year journey of devotion and mutual respect that lasted until Edward's passing in 2016.
As her family grew, Therese set aside her paid nursing career to dedicate herself fully to her children, while also giving her time freely to care for neighbors and those in need. Her faith-filled life resonated with all who knew her. Her countless acts of kindness, unwavering courage, and Her lifelong commitment to care and compassion was evident in all she did.
A pillar of her community, Therese was deeply involved in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where she was a lifetime member. She served as secretary of the St. Anne Altar Society, participated in the parish council, was active in the League of Catholic Women and Men, served as a Eucharistic minister, and was a founding member of Bay County's Right to Life organization. She also volunteered as a room mother in many classrooms at St. Michael's School. Therese was proud to be an original member of the Nurses' Health Study at Harvard Medical School.
Therese and Edward shared a love of travel, exploring many destinations together, but her greatest joy was always time spent with family and friends.
She leaves behind her loving children, Mark (Michelle), Kent (Margaret), Dean (Renee), Anne (Jason) George, and Dan (Rebecca) Rabish; her grandchildren Matthew (Stacy), Steven, Justin, Nicholas, Garrett, Becky, Darren (Kaila), Michael (Erin) Rabish, Lauren (Thilo) Rabish Schulze, Claire Moen, and Thomas George; and her great-grandchildren Max, Van, Cooper, Isaac, and Leo Rabish. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Mary Ellen (Ouillette) Saha, as well as beloved nieces and nephews who will continue to be inspired by her example.
She was preceded in death by her son Douglas, grandson Landis Rabish, brother James Ouillette, brother-in-law Ronald Saha, stepfather Frank Bordeau, and stepbrother Dr. Raymond Bordeau. Their memories remain a cherished part of her story.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Matthew Federico presiding. Friends may visit at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Therese are asked to consider a gift to St. Michael's School in her memory.
