Therese Raven

Therese Raven, 86, of South Bend, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Wellbrooke of South Bend.

She was born on January 2, 1931 in Erie, PA to the late Anthony and Theodora (Rastatter) Strobel.  She graduated from Academy High School (Erie, PA) in 1948 and earned a degree in math from Mercyhurst College (Erie, PA) in 1952.

Later in 1952, Therese married Francis Harvey Raven, her husband of 64 years. Their love story was an inspiration, centered on family and their deep faith in God. Therese taught school until she and Fran started their family. They were devoted to raising their seven children and were proud that all seven earned college degrees from either the University of Notre Dame or St. Mary’s College.

Therese loved her family and organized many family gatherings. For many years, she cooked for nine people and had dinner on the table at 6:00 pm. Therese received great pleasure in spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing board games and cards with her family and played in several bridge groups with friends.

Therese was very intelligent and helped Fran edit engineering textbooks that he wrote while teaching at the University of Notre Dame. Therese and Fran enjoyed traveling; memorable trips included Alaska, China, Europe and Africa

Therese was a faithful Christian and attended Little Flower Catholic Church. For many years, she attended daily Mass and was a frequent reader at Mass. These activities were very fulfilling to her.  

Therese is survived by her loving husband, Fran; daughters, Elizabeth “Betty” Raven of South Bend; Ann (Bill) McCarthy of Alpharetta, GA; Mary “Bart” (Doug) Mansmann of Louisville, KY; Catherine “Cathy” Raven of South Bend; Linda (Claudio Adolfo) Raven of Angola, Africa; sons, Paul (Cydni) Raven and John (Anne) Raven, both of South Bend; ten grandchildren (Kylie, John, William, Kevin, Laurel, Michael, Denise, Heather, Luke & Molly); sister, Rita (Dick) Bajura of Morgantown, WV; and brother, Norbert (late Barbara) Strobel of Coldwater, MI.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday, February 13, 2017 at Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635. Fr. Terry Coonan, Jr. will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, February 12 at the church and from 10:00-11:00 am on Monday, February 13 at the church. Palmer Funeral Homes-Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Therese may be made to Little Flower Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be left for the Raven family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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