In Loving Memory: Theresa Gapinski

Theresa (Przybilla) Gapinski was born January 27, 1936 in Pierz, MN. She married Richard Gapinski in 1956 and they were blessed with nine children. Richard passed away in April 14, 2002. Theresa learned of her Colon Cancer in 2005, after doctoring for over a year with abdominal pain. She had surgery on July 28, 2005 and she was told that her cancer had metastasized to her liver and she was stage 4. After surgery, she was told that if she did nothing, she would probably have 3 – 6 months to live. After coming home and regaining some strength, her oncologist suggested to her an oral chemo that was available. She went on that and things were going well. Then that quit working and she continued to go on several different chemo treatments over the next couple years. Theresa never gave up her fight with cancer. She always had a very strong faith and proved to be a great inspiration to all throughout her courageous battle with cancer. When asked how she was doing, her saying was always, “hanging in there.” She was able to tolerate her treatments well and her oncologist always told her that she was “AMAZING.” She continued to work in her garden and she enjoyed seeing it bloom throughout the seasons. She enjoyed her time with her 25 grandchildren and her first great-grandchild, she continued to crochet and do word finds even though her hands were numb at times, and she always seemed to feel good enough to go play BINGO. Theresa was a loving and caring person right up to the end. Even when she herself could not get up, she always wanted to make sure that anyone who came to visit, or those of us with her, had a meal or plenty to eat. Theresa passed away April 10, 2008. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.