Theresa Ann Park

Theresa Ann Park, a woman whose life was defined by an extraordinary capacity to love, protect, and care for others, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at her home located in Geneseo, IL, at the age of 75.

Born on May 16, 1951, in Peoria, Illinois, Theresa grew up with a deeply rooted sense of community and family. She graduated from Kewanee High School in 1969. She spent her early years working alongside her father at his print shop in Kewanee, later dedicating many years to the grocery industry across several locations. On November 12, 1988, she married the love of her life, Jeff Park, at the Muzzy Memorial Chapel in Geneseo, beginning a beautiful chapter of shared devotion that spanned nearly 38 years. Later in life, Theresa’s heart grew even larger when she was reunited with her biological family. This deeply meaningful chapter allowed her to know and cherish her sisters, Jerry Lee Anderson and Ann Wilson.

Her strong, unwavering faith in God guided her steps, but it was in her role as a mother that her soul truly shined. Theresa believed with every fiber of her being that being a mother was her highest calling, and her greatest pride was having raised her four wonderful children. She loved them, and later her grandchildren and great-grandchild with an unconditional and boundless depth of heart.

Theresa was a natural, staunch defender of those less fortunate, always willing to stand up for someone who needed a voice. Her tender heart extended to her beloved dogs, who brought her immense joy. She was also a woman of quiet strength and adventure. Theresa loved to travel, whether exploring nearby states or navigating far-off places —she always insisted on being the navigator, guiding the way with confidence and a smile.

Even while facing her own challenges, Theresa poured herself into supporting others. For some time, she served as a compassionate outreach representative for women recovering from breast cancer surgery, offering a steady hand and an understanding heart. She also found a beautiful, supportive sisterhood at the Moline YMCA, where she and a group of women living with MS formed a water exercise group. They called themselves the "Mermaids," and the bonds of friendship they formed became a source of immense joy, laughter, and strength in her life.

Theresa was preceded in death by her loving parents, William and Blanche Haupt, and her brother, Bill Haupt.

Her legacy of love, protective warmth, and gentle guidance lives on in those she left behind. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jeff Park; her beloved children, Joshua (Angela) Niedziela, Jessica Lay, Joshua (Janette) Park, and Jessica (Bill) Miller; and her cherished grandchildren, Kylie (Andrew) Niedziela, Drake Park, Aleese Park, Kannon Park, Reese Miller, and Joey Miller; and great-grandchild, Bodie D’Anna

Cremation rites have been accorded, and all services will be private per the family’s wishes. Inurnment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. Vandemore Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Plant a Tree or The Quad City Animal Welfare Center (www.qcawc.org), 724 2nd Avenue West, Milan, IL, 61264.