Therese Battah

Therese Battah, age 98, peacefully entered the loving arms of Jesus on November 10, 2025 at her home in Central Lake in the presence of family, leaving an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and grace. Born May 7, 1927 in Montreal, Canada, the beloved daughter of Joseph and Aurora (Hachey) Gagne.

Besides her unwavering devotion to God and family, Therese had an endless passion for education. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Montreal and later obtained her Master of Arts degree in 1969 from Eastern Michigan University. She dedicated herself to over 30 years in the Livonia School system as a French teacher, and was known by several of her colleagues by the endearing name, Fifi.Throughout her career, Therese undoubtedly touched the lives of many of her students with her heart for learning, with support, encouragement, and excellence. Several times during her many years as a high school teacher, she was able to provide her students with the incredible opportunity to travel to France. Following her retirement, and missing her role as an educator, she then taught French courses at Madonna University for several semesters.

An enthusiastic volunteer, Therese faithfully served her church family at St. Theodore Catholic Church for many years as an usher, sacristan, or Eucharistic minister. She also became well known to many at Garden City Hospital for her kindness during her approximately 15 years of volunteering, graciously greeting and assisting patients as they entered. She always strived to remain active and independent in her advanced age, and throughout her involvement in activity planning, volunteering, and outings, she continued to share her caring heart with everyone she encountered. She will be remembered by many in the two senior living communities where she previously lived, as the one who would always leave you with the words, “Have a blessed day.”

In her free time, Therese enjoyed playing cards, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, bingo, walks, Detroit Tigers and hockey games, her hummingbird feeder, and the occasional trip to the casino which she referred to as her “therapy.”

Following a stroke in January 2024, although severely speech impaired and unable to walk, Therese, with immense courage and determination, continued to inspire and bring joy to those around her, revealing purpose and grace in the midst of life’s trials. In her own way, she continued to sing and dance. One of her few words was, “Wow.”She enjoyed being outdoors, watching daily mass, outings and family visits, always engaged with life around her. Her caregivers loved her. Therese fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Therese was truly a gift.

Therese was a deeply devoted mom to her children, Donald (Kim) Battah, Lynn (Jeff) Cullen, and Yolande (Jeff) Popovich. The oldest of nine children, she is survived in death by her sisters, Denise, Marcelle, Aline, and Pierrette. She was extremely proud of her 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren whom she treasured, and was adored by her many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Abraham, who she lovingly cared for until his passing on January 9, 2004, and her siblings, sister Yolande, and brothers, Leo, Jacque, and Paul-Andre.

We will forever miss our sweet Therese’s tangible presence here, but will carry her love always in our hearts, with the blessed assurance we will be reunited with her again in our glorious heavenly home!

A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Saline on December 2nd at 10:30 am. Donations to the church in lieu of flowers appreciated.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com