Theresa Counts, age 88 of Dunseith, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at a Dunseith nursing home.  Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:00 am at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith.  Her wake will be on Monday starting at 5:00 pm with a rosary service at 7:00 pm at the church.

Theresa Rose Peltier was born November 4, 1936, in Belcourt, ND, to Prudent and MaryAnn (McArthur) Peltier.  She began her life in Dunseith, ND.

Theresa was united in marriage to Garry M Counts, on April 1, 1957, at Rolette County Courthouse in Rolla.  Together they had 8 children: Garry W, Doreen, Monica, Allison, Francine, Gerald, Loren, and Donovan.

Theresa worked in various positions during her employment: Probation Officer, Community Coordinator for Teacher Corps, Collection Clerk, Secretary, and WIC Coordinator.  She attended school in Marty, SD, Belcourt, ND, and Dunseith, ND; she got her GED at Belcourt.  She began her college career at Bottineau College, University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, and Minot State University; eventually earning her Bachelor of Science in Education and on to her Master of Science in Education.

She did her education internship at Dunseith Public Elementary School in 2nd grade and started working full-time as a 4th grade teacher in 1986.  She worked until 2004 when her husband, Garry, was sick with cancer.  She returned to work in 2005 and retired 2007.  She cared for Garry until he passed in December 2010.  She worked as a substitute teacher until November 2019.

Theresa enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved playing card games and visiting at home with her family.  She loved going to church and spending time with her 'church' family, especially the Sisters and Priests.  She attended many "Life in the Spirit" Retreats and Cursillo weekends.

Theresa is survived by her children: Garry W (Lucinda) of Dunseith, ND; Doreen (David) Rodriguez of Waterford, MI; Monica (Eugene) Nadeau, Allison (Blaine) DeCoteau of Dunseith, ND; Francine Counts-French of Trenton, ND; Gerald (Melissa), Loren (Olivia) Counts, both of Dunseith, ND; and Donovan (Denette) of Hastings, MN; 29 Grandchildren; and 50+ Great-Grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchildren numerous nieces and nephews; along with many foster children and step-grandchildren.

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, Garry; 3 Angels; 4 grandbabies; 2 great-grandbabies; her parents, Prudent and MaryAnn Peltier; her paternal grandparents; her maternal grandparents; John A and Philomine (Russet) McArthur; her brothers and sisters: Julius (Laura); Philip (Louise); Joseph (Delores); Edward (Madeline); Mary (Eli) Demery; Harry (Margaret); Josephine (Billy) Parisien; Phyllis (Clarence) Henry; and Celina Sayers.