Theresa A. Minnaert

Theresa A. (Sherba) Minnaert 85, of Hampshire, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025. Theresa and her husband, Tim, made Hampshire their home for the last 25 years. While her loved ones wish she could have stayed forever, they know she is already making heaven a little more fun and a little more organized.
Born on April 20, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, to Paul P. and Helen J. (Vidumsky) Sherba, Theresa grew up with a loving heart, a quick wit, and a talent for making any house feel like a cozy haven. She was famous, within her family, for her legendary spaghetti sauce, a recipe so good it was a comforting "hug in a bowl", a reason to gather, and a recipe so spectacular it is now a family heirloom. Many have tried to recreate it, but Theresa's special touch remains unmatched, though that doesn't stop people from trying.
Theresa was the heart and soul of her family. She was a devoted wife of 32 years to Tim Minnaert and the proud and loving mother of Brenda (Greg) James and Wendy (Tom) Bailey, who inherited her warmth, humor, and possibly even a little of her stubbornness. She was also the proud stepmother of Patrick Minnaert, though nothing made her more proud than her role as grandma to her seven cherished grandchildren: Stephen James, Michael (Erin) Bailey, Jessica Bailey, Sarah James, David Bailey, Scott James, and Sydney James. And just when she thought her heart could not be more full, she became a great-grandma to Sylviah James, Quinn James, and Keegan Bailey, ensuring that her love, stories, giggles, and probably a few of her best recipes would be passed down for generations.
Theresa had a special gift for making everyone, and everything feel loved. Theresa had a soft spot for cats, and they seemed to know it-whether it was her own furry companions or the neighborhood strays that somehow always found their way to her doorstep. Squirrels and wild birds flocked to her yard, where she would toss peanuts and fill feeders, ensuring every creature that visited her yard was well cared for. If a hungry animal was nearby, Theresa was sure to find it and offer a snack. No critter left hungry on Theresa's watch. She also loved watching baseball on TV, always cheering on her favorite teams and keeping up with the game.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Helen Sherba, as well as her sister, Marie Plowman, and brother, Elmer Sherba.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, 10:00 am, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 297 E. Jefferson Ave., Hampshire, Illinois, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am. Interment will be held at a later date in Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, please consider filling a bird feeder, tossing a few peanuts to the squirrels, adopting a cat, or simply doing something kind for someone today.
Though she may no longer be with us in person, Theresa's warmth, humor, and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Rest in peace, Theresa-you've earned it.