Therese LaPlante Maxson, 88, of Red Lake Falls, MN died peacefully from the effects of dementia on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN with her loving family at her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 16, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Fr. Bob LaPlante presiding, Fr. Bill DeCrans, Bishop Michael Hoeppner and priests of the Diocese of Crookston concelebrating.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN.  Visitation will also be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Therese Gervais was born April 14, 1928 at her home in Lake Pleasant Township, Red Lake County, MN the daughter of Albert and Bertha (Trudeau) Gervais.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Gentilly, MN and attended Lake Pleasant School.

Therese was united in marriage to Ernest LaPlante on June 18, 1946 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Gentilly, MN.  They made their home on a farm east of Red Lake Falls, MN in Gervais Township where they raised their five children, Audrey, Mike, Lois, Bob and JoAnn.  Therese spent most of her years at home, until all the children were in school and then worked at Hillcrest Nursing Home for many years.    Ernest passed away on November 16, 1984.  On November 4, 1989, Therese was united in marriage to Ray Maxson at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls.  They lived on the LaPlante family farm until 1991 when they built a house in Red Lake Falls.  Ray passed away on September 30, 2009.

Therese and Ernest did everything together, from fishing and farming, and were especially great dancers.  While raising their family they enjoyed many Gervais and LaPlante get-togethers at the farm or Maple Lake.  Therese and Ray enjoyed some travel, the casino, playing cards, and just being with people.

She was someone who cared for all people deeply and especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was there for them at all times.  She also took care of her father and siblings most all of her life.  She always dressed well and wanted to look good and especially had to have her hair fixed every week.  Therese was a woman of many talents, from being a good cook, to keeping a great yard and being one of the best mechanics in her family.  She loved gardening, especially growing her beautiful flowers, playing cards and visiting family.  She was named "Yard of the Week" more than one time and won the "Christmas Lighting" contest and took great pride in her work, but never bragged about it.  Her family was her favorite pastime and most important part of her life.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls and St. Anne's Society.

Therese is survived by her children, Audrey Jean (Mike) Bachand, Brooks, MN, Lois (Joe) Jahnke, Red Lake Falls, MN, Bob "Spluck" LaPlante, Detroit Lakes, MN, JoAnn (Mike) Walicski, Moorhead, MN; daughter-in-law, Kathy LaPlante, Red Lake Falls; 13 grandchildren, Melissa (Ross), Pamela, Jeffrey (Jodi), Dawn (Shannon), Tara (Sam), Amanda (Darcy), Paul (Shelly), Aaron, Marc (Stephanie), Scott (Kristy), Stephanie (fiancé, Mike), Andrew, Briana (Ryan); 23 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-granddaughter; brother, Albert Gervais Jr.; brother-in-law, Edward (Martha) LaPlante; sisters-in-law, Joyous Gervais and Carmen LaPlante; and many other relatives and friends.

Therese was preceded in death by her husbands, Ernest LaPlante and Ray Maxson; son, Michael LaPlante; parents; brothers, Andrew (Alice), Norman (Laura), Gerard (Marie), Joe (Anna Mae), Paul (Geri) and John; sisters, Rita (Reaume) LaFromboise, Aurora (Harry) DeZiel and Margaret Gervais; step-mother, Antoinette; brothers-in-law,  George (Lorraine) LaPlante and Leonard LaPlante; sisters-in-law, Erma Perreault-Skala, (Harvey and Hank) and Etta (Xavier) Payment and sister-in-law, Joyce Gervais.