Mary Theresa LaForest

Mary Theresa LaForest, 75, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She was born on October 26, 1950, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Raymond Donald LaForest and Pauline Edna (Wood) LaForest.

Theresa was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her family. She treasured every opportunity to be with her children, grandchildren, and beloved great-grandson. Whether she was creating beautiful diamond art with family and friends, making the trip between Ontario, to Debbie's house in New York, or a road trip to Michigan to visit loved ones, or simply enjoying a conversation over coffee, Theresa found happiness in the people she loved most.

A proud graduate of T.L. Handy High School in Bay City, Michigan, Theresa continued her education at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall, Ontario, where she earned a degree in Business Administration and Accounting. She dedicated many years of service to Guildcrest Homes in Morewood, Ontario, where she built lasting friendships before retiring.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving friend and partner, Susan Bissonnette, her children, Carrie L. Cavanaugh and her husband, Russell G. Cavanaugh, of Michigan; Guy E. Moughler and his wife, Rebecca, of Michigan; and Justin Bissonnette and his wife, Emily of Ontario Canada.

She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Zackary R. Cavanaugh, Blake A. Cavanaugh and his wife, Ariel, Justin Crowl and his wife, Kathleen, Austin Crowl, Celeste Moughler, Ayden Moughler, Landyn Moughler, Sophia Bissonnette, and Sterling Bissonnette. Theresa was especially proud to be the great-grandmother of Bentley Crowl.

She is also survived by her siblings, Linda A. Brandhurst and her husband, Jackie, of Indiana, John H. LaForest and his wife, Barbara, of Michigan, Jesse J. LaForest and his wife, Kimberly, of Michigan, Deborah Harper and husband Lynn of New York, and Gina M. LaForest of Michigan. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Leeann LaForest of Nevada, along with many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and love.

Theresa was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Raymond Donald LaForest and Pauline Edna (Wood) LaForest, her cherished daughter, Shelly M. Moughler, and her brothers, Gerald P. LaForest, Gregory M. LaForest, and Calvin M. LaForest.

Though her family grieves her passing, they find comfort in knowing that Theresa will be laid to rest beside her beloved daughter, Shelly, at Calvary Cemetery in Kawkawlin, Michigan, where they will be reunited in eternal peace.

Theresa will be remembered for her gentle heart, generous spirit, unwavering love for her family, and the warmth she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the countless memories she leaves behind. While she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in God's eternal embrace until her family is together again.