Theodota Hersman

Theodota Guerin Hersman (Theo) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on December 15, 2023, at the age of 97.  She was born on September 15, 1926, to John Glenn Guerin and Grace (Fordney) Guerin in Muskegon, Michigan.  She spent her formative years in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then in Dallas, Texas, where she and her husband owned and operated a wholesale furniture showroom.  They named it Theo’s, Inc.  After retiring, they moved to Sun City West, Arizona, and ultimately ended up back in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Theo was someone who had never met a stranger.  She was very interested in people and had many friends along life’s path.  She was from a large family and extremely interested in her genealogy.  She acquired a trunk full of pictures and journals going back to her family’s travels (in a covered wagon) to Oregon in the mid-1800s during the Gold Rush.  She was active in her church, serving on the Altar Guild.  Her husband was a private pilot, and she learned to fly early on (just in case).  She loved to cook and have family and friends over for dinner, always with her best china and silver.  She published several cookbooks through the years for family reunions and was also an avid crossword puzzle solver, always in ink.

Theo is survived by her four children, David Hersman (Laura) of Yantis, Texas, Scott Hersman (Debbie) of Ada, Michigan, Jim Hersman (Robin Wirsing) of Clearwater, Florida, and Caren Hersman Stembridge (Don) of McKinney, Texas; six grandchildren, Colleen, Jeremy, Tiffini, Alisha, Chad and Katy, many great-grandchildren and an abundance of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her husband, William Turner Hersman (Bill).  She and Bill celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2007.

No services will take place at her request, but we do appreciate your love and support during this difficult time.  Contributions in memory of Theo can be made to Emmanuel Hospice, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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