Theresa M. Croissant

Theresa M. Croissant, nee Levy, age 87, of Edwardsville, IL, formerly of Fairview Heights, IL, born on December 10, 1931 in East St. Louis, IL, died on December 26, 2018 at Rosewood Care Center, Edwardsville, IL.

Theresa graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in East St. Louis, IL in 1949.  She was so very proud to be a “St. Teresa’s Girl” that she vowed to wear her “STA” ring until the day she died.  She kept her vow only removing it from her tiny right ring finger on very rare occasions. 

Theresa was a 4 ft 9 inch feisty ball of fire.  She loved life and used her infectious energy as a waitress at the Dandy Inn in Fairview Heights, IL, Caseyville Restaurant, as a bartender at the Fairview Heights Elk Lodge #664 and occasionally as an election judge.

She loved children and they loved her.  Theresa made them feel as if she was one of them, allowing them to be themselves and just have fun.  She was a great mom, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She made everything so much fun.  Theresa believed in the truth and would not lie to save her life.  Many will feel the loss of her deeply.  She was good in a crisis, always maintaining a cool, calm and level head.  Years later she quipped that “it was all an act.” If it was an act, it was a good one. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and May, nee Brinkley, Levy and her brothers, Jim, Hank, Louis, Joe and George Levy and a sister, Mary Ellen Overton.

Theresa is survived by her former husband, Kermit F. Croissant, who was an ever present source of support and her best friend until the day she died.  If she ever needed anything, he would supply it. Theresa is also survived by her children, Pamela J. Salsman of Belleville, IL, George M. Croissant of Fairview Heights, IL and John M. (Anne) Noce of Asheville, N.C.; her grandchildren, Jeanine (Amanda) Johnston, Andrew (Anndrea) Martignoni, III, Kermit Martignoni. Kaylea Noce, Emily Noce, and Christopher Noce; 12 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and her siblings, Robert Levy, Charles “Bo” (Linda) Levy and Ann (Ted) Mezo.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd. Fairview Heights, IL.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.  at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL with Msgr. David Darin officiating.  Cremation will follow services.

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