Marie Therese (Freitas) Werling, 95, born July 16, 1927, entered her Heavenly home and eternal reward on April 10, 2023. Marie ‘fought the good fight and finished the race’ (2 Timothy 4:7). She has heard the promised words from her Savior, ‘Well done good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:21).

Marie was born in Sandusky, Ohio, and raised by her parents, John and Madeline (Ritzenthaler) Freitas. She married Vincent Leo Werling on May 8, 1948. They enjoyed 44 years together. Vincent proceeded her in death as well as her youngest son, David Jude.

She leaves a legacy to her remaining children Kathleen (Richard) Christopher, Michael Werling, Beth (Dominick) DaCosta along with her grandchildren (Angela, Denise, Paul, Jennifer, Larry, Chris, Matt, Amy, Sarah, Jon, and Leah); nineteen great-grandchildren (Jennifer, Jessica, JoBeth, Ciera, Gregory, Kerri, Brittany, Zachary, Parker, Jaxson, Bryce, Blaze, Riley, Rachael, Bailey, Ally, Isaac, Elliott and Henry); seventeen great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild.

Marie loved to travel to New England where her love of the art works of Norman Rockwell and covered bridges began. She also traveled to many other states and became a world traveler to the countries of Italy, South America and Ireland. A summer trip to Israel and Egypt were a highlight as she and Vince rode camels and walked where Jesus walked.

Even through surviving three brain surgeries over the span of eighteen years (leaving her with permanent weaknesses), she never lost her joy.

Marie had the gift of encouragement. When she was able, she would write thousands of notes to people. When she could no longer write, her smile possessed a permanent state of contentment and joy. A model for her family and friends.

Thank you to Gentiva Hospice and Greiner Funeral Home. A special thank you to her caregivers at Springhill Village who deeply loved her during the seven years she was there.

We would love for you to join us in honoring her and celebrating her life of faith on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at New Life Community Church (2403 South 8th Street). Visitation hours begin at 1:00pm with the memorial service at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make any gift contribution to Marie’s heart of ministry, the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Wabash Valley (530 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Indiana 47807).

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