Theresa Ann Hoy, 90, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Born on November 2, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, to Valentine and Magdeline (Walasinski) Potrzebowski, Theresa led a life filled with love, generosity, and devotion to her family.
After graduating from Central Catholic High School, Theresa worked at a bank before becoming a secretary at a local engineering firm. However, it was her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend that brought her the greatest fulfillment.
Theresa married Paul Myron Hoy in April 1956, beginning a 68-year journey of companionship and devotion while raising a family. She found joy in a variety of activities, including tending to her rose garden, antiquing, knitting, crocheting, painting ceramics and porcelain, creating Dresden lace dolls, and golfing. Theresa also took pleasure in giving thoughtful gifts, always finding ways to make her loved ones feel special. She cherished quiet moments with a good book and the excitement of visiting casinos. Her love for her family shone brightest in the home-cooked dinners she prepared, bringing everyone together to talk, laugh, and make memories.
One of Theresa’s most treasured memories was her trip to Poland, where she joined her husband during his work abroad. She cherished meeting the people, experiencing the culture, and visiting the towns and villages. The trip also took her to Germany and Denmark, where she marveled at the scenery and landmarks. These travels left a lasting impression on her, and she often shared stories from the trip with her family and friends.
Theresa had a special fondness for playing Pinochle, reminiscing about hours spent at the table with her parents and siblings. These cherished memories were part of a life rich in family traditions, especially those tied to her Polish heritage. Theresa also loved polka music and enjoyed dancing the Polka with her family. She carried forward Polish family traditions through holiday meals and recipes passed down through generations.
Theresa’s greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren, whether it was playing cards and board games, giving advice, or attending school plays, recitals, sporting events, and other milestones. Summers at the family cabin on Caribou Lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were especially cherished, filled with swimming, fishing, gathering around the campfire, and driving into town for ice cream.
Theresa leaves behind a legacy of love. She is survived by her children, Michael (Deb) Hoy and Cheryl (Joseph Castiglione) Hoy; grandchildren, Heather Hoy, Matthew Bunker, and Justin (Anna) Bunker; great-grandchildren, Allison and Elizabeth; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever remember her kindness.
Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents, Valentine and Magdeline Potrzebowski; and her siblings, Mary Gloria Potrzebowski, Marilyn Coleman, James V. Potrzebowski, Sr., and Janet Young. She was also preceded by her niece, Debra Lea Coleman.
Theresa’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, and generosity. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church 8330 Lewis Ave Temperance, MI where the funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow. Theresa’s remains will be interred at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Resurrection Cemetery Temperance, MI at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave Temperance, MI. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com.
