Theresa Ann (Sobula) Brewbaker

     Our wonderful mom, Theresa “Terry” Ann Sobula, was born to polish immigrants Andrew W. and Mary K. (Zieliga) Sobula on May 10, 1931, in St. Johns, Michigan, and remained there her entire life.

      Terry was a good natured outgoing young lady, who immensely enjoyed time with her family, friends, and activities of her generation.  She spent lots of quality time laughing and chatting with her mom and four sisters all speaking fluent Polish and making amazingly delicious authentic Polish kolache’s, Christmas candy, pies, and pierogis.

     She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1948. She began her work career as a personal secretary to Mr. Sleight in his insurance business where she eventually met her future husband, Leon Brewbaker, who she married on May 2, 1953. Together they built a fine life and brought four wonderful children into the world - three sons; Kim (Cindy), Martin (Debra), William (Jennifer), and one daughter Mary (Don). Terry was the backbone of the Brewbaker family raising their children and managing the home along with working part-time.

     Keeping ahead of three rambunctious boys is no easy task but she made it work. Often times they needed some strong “encouragement” to mind their P’s and Q’s but they eventually grew up into fine young men. Thankfully they didn’t burn down the barn, and managed to douse a potential electrical fire and live to tell about it. When it came to daughter Mary, she seemed to never be a problem much to mom’s relief (she has her mom’s patience and sweet nature). At a very young age Mary developed a deep love for animals of all kinds but especially horses. The boys had all their sports, and endless entertainment to keep them occupied. They taught Mary how to throw a softball and football… which she became impressively good at… and helped watches over their tiny little sis doting on her along with mom. Not surprising, Mary’s love for horses blossomed as did moms. As such, adding to her many talents, mom easily took to caring and working with horses along with her only daughter. All in all, Terry was extremely proud of all her children. Her naturally good nature served her well throughout life.

      In addition to rearing the family, refereeing conflicts, helping out with paper delivery, Cub Scouts, football and track mom, taking kids to swim, equine riding lessons, etc., and keeping the home-front running semi-smoothly, Terry was also rather crafty. In one of their houses all the woodwork was painted; she spent months stripping off all the paint then refinishing the wood to its original glory (it was beautiful). She was also a fine seamstress, artist, gardener, fed and watched songbirds took care of horses, cats, dogs, lawn work, and managed to keep the house clean! Ahhh but the story does not end here. As life moves on the family grows and so does her already impressive resume’. She then adds treasured mom-in-law as she warmly welcomed in-laws to the family, and then icing on the cake, the ever popular beloved “Gramma Nana”… she adored her precious grands! Life is ever so good.

     Of course, as to be expected, there were bumps and potholes throughout her life’s journey but with her intensely deep faith in God and unflappable resilience, she weathered it all like a trooper, earning her way to Heaven. A super-mom/mom-in-law/grand-ma to be sure! We all appreciated and adored her as much as she adored us. We will miss our dear mom yet she will forever occupy her space in our hearts. In the truest sense, she was the most gracious and loving mom a family could ever hope for; we were generously blessed to have her in our lives.

     Terry is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and special friend Fran Foltz. She was predeceased by her parents, four sisters: Ann, Rose, Mary, Connie, and three brothers: Frank, Eddie, and Joe.

     The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. John MacDonald for his many years of taking care of our mom; her special friends and in-home caregivers Donna, Tracy, Vonda, Carol, Jan, and Kathy; and Hospice of Lansing, Nurse Ashley, Dr. James LaBerge and their caring compassionate staff.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, Michigan, on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding.  Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan.  Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan, on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 2-8 P.M. with a Vigil/Rosary prayed Thursday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

     Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910; OR, St. Joseph Educational Trust Fund, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden Street, St. Johns, Michigan 48879.    Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.