Theresa (Viau) Rudden
ESCANABA — Theresa (Viau) Rudden, 90, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, July 29, 2020. She was born Aug. 2, 1929, the daughter of Emil and Rose (Gareau) Viau. She grew up with her parents owning “Viau’s Market” in Escanaba. She attended St. Anne’s School through eighth grade and graduated from high school in 1948. She met her husband Patrick Rudden, who lived across the street from her as a child. Theresa married Pat on Nov. 26, 1949, at St. Thomas Church with Father Arnold Thompson officiating.
Over the years, Pat and Theresa enjoyed traveling many places together such as Nevada, Boston, Colorado, Illinois, Minneapolis, Florida and Lower Michigan. After her husband passed away, Theresa spent time in Nevada and Florida with her families as she loved it there. She enjoyed having everyone over for the holidays, special occasions or even out to the family camp in Northland. Her favorite time was having sleepovers, playing games, going to Jim’s Dairy and the park with her grandchildren.
Theresa was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Church. She dedicated her life to helping others. She taught C.C.D. for many years, cleaning for the church, made pasties and helped with Bazaars and picnics. Theresa volunteered at the American Red Cross and Lake State Industries. She received outstanding volunteer award for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Theresa spent many hours visiting residents at the nursing homes and taking them on outings.
Theresa enjoyed going on road trips, plays, going to church, out to eat at Family Inn, playing cards and having coffee with family and friends.
Theresa loved her special C.N.A.’s at Bishop Noa Home, Amber and Shea. We are so grateful for them. Also, Shirley and Jeanette Viau that spent so much quality time with her. She would just glow when they walked in the room. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful Angel.
Theresa is survived by her sons, Dennis Rudden, David (Sharon) Rudden and Patrick Emmette Rudden all of Escanaba; daughters, Chris (Steve) Harris of Iron Mountain, Ann Larson of Escanaba, Joan (Charlie) Edwards of Punta Gorda, FL, Mark (Lori) Rudden of Bark River and Ronald (Mary) Rudden of Ferndale, CA; son in law, Bob Shriber; 20 grandchildren, Sarah and Hugh Harris, Brennan and Jason Rudden, Trisha and Nick Larson, Mandy Price, Emily Edwards, Amy Carpenter, Jessica McArthur, Kristy Shriber, Joe and Cindy Rudden, Jimmy, Nikki and Becky Hubert, Rachel DeVos, Brad Rudden, Stephanie Czappa and Kevin Rudden; 38 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren whom she adored. She is also survived by her sisters in law, Joyce Viau, Carol Rudden and Theresa (Bud) Krause and also many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Pat, Theresa was preceded in death by her son, Michael Rudden and daughters, Mary Rose Hubert and Kathy Shriber; brothers, Lawrence, Abe (Jean) and Emmett Viau; sisters, Beverly St. Cyr and Rosemary (Jack) Pratt; brothers in law, Glen, Mike (Arlene), and John (Dell) Rudden; and sisters in law, Zita (Frank) Bednasz and Sis (Frank) Stoykovich.
Visitation will be on Friday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Homes, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. With the current Order only allowing 10 people into the funeral at one time, please use side entrance (north) on 2nd avenue and use the front (east) for exit and to greet the family outside. Masks and social distancing are mandatory. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Thomas the Apostle church with Rev. Rick Courier officiating.
Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. The family invites relatives and friends to join them following the services at the Ludington Park Pavilion at 4:30 p.m. for a celebration of Theresa’s life.
A message of condolence may be directed to the Rudden family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net.