In loving memory of

Therese Naoum Issa
April 14, 1943 - February 20, 2021

Therese Naoum Issa, cherished sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend passed away at home on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the age of 77.

She was born on April 14, 1943 in Beirut, Lebanon and emigrated to Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan in 1976. Therese worked for many years as the manager of her sister-in-law's obstetrics and gynecology practice followed by several years as the manager of her brother's gas station.

Therese loved to socialize and was the go-to companion for all generations. She was devoted to her family and had a core role in the lives of her siblings, and their children - as a cheerleader for their dreams, a co-conspirator for their adventures and a second mother to the younger generation. 

Therese was "the village" for her siblings; a coffee-drinking confidante, a partner in childcare and the glue that bound the wider family together. From early breakfasts to late-night movies, she never missed a chance to spend time with her nieces and nephews and she held a special place in the hearts of the littlest. She was present at their major events and available to talk endlessly about life's minutiae. Her door was always open, and hers was a second home for the newest arrivals in the U.S. 

Therese was preceded in death by her father Naoum, her mother Nazira and her brother Pierre (the late Claire). She is survived by her sister Hoda (the late Hanna), brother Joseph (Alexa), sister May (Boutros), brother Antoine (Hoda), sisters Hanane (Raif) and Mona (Ghassan) and brothers Georges (Hayat) and Gabriel (Bernadette) as well as 20 nieces and nephews and 31 great-nieces and great-nephews. 

There will be no funeral service in Michigan at this time. Therese will be buried with her parents and brother in Maad, Lebanon. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Lebanese Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org.lb/) or Baytna Baytak (https://baytnabaytak.com/).

Tributes

Sharon Rashid wrote on Feb 27, 2021:

"Dearest Gaby, Bernadette, Hanane, Raif and the Entire Issa Family, This shocking sad news of Therese's passing cannot express my warmest sympathy to each of you during this very difficult time. Our family and the Issa's were One. Therese was like a Sister to me, My Dear Mom Nelly, and Sisters, Joany, Renee & Alice. We were the first family to welcome Therese when she arrived in Detroit to be with her beloved brother, Pierre, Claire & family. The Best/Fondest Memories of the Days of Togetherness was Infectionist...We shared Great times when my beloved Dad, Carl would play his Oud and danced around him! We also shared the Sad times together in prayers every night for a year after Pierre and Joe's passing. May God Bless and shine the Perpetual light upon your beautiful soul. 'Allah Yir Hummeek" Therese... My Love Thoughts, and Prayers ? to all the family, Sharon Rashid"