Theresa Ann Burrows

In Loving Memory of Theresa Ann Burrows

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we remember Theresa Ann (Michlig) Burrows, who passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, surrounded by her family at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was 82 years old.

Born on July 1, 1943, in Tiskilwa, Illinois, Theresa grew up in Neoga and Manlius, IL surrounded by the warmth of a large family and the guiding strength of her Catholic faith — roots that shaped the grace and compassion she carried throughout her life. She graduated from Manlius High School. She had two children John and Karen and raised them in Manlius and Princeton, where her quiet strength, gentle kindness, and steadfast love became the foundation for her children and all who knew her.

She married Harry Burrows in Las Vegas in 1991, beginning a partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they spent 23 wonderful winters in Florida, enjoying the sunshine, playing golf, and cherishing time with her siblings, nieces, and nephews who lived nearby. They delighted in welcoming their children and grandchildren for visits — escaping the cold and creating treasured memories. Their shared love of travel took them across the United States and abroad, including several memorable cruises.

Theresa worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for several businesses in the Princeton area, but found her greatest professional joy working alongside Harry at Wyanet Carpet, where they grew their business together until retirement.

Theresa brought patience, care, and grace to everything she did — and her hands were rarely still. Whether tending the beautiful flowers in her yard, perfecting her golf swing, cheering on her favorite sports teams, spending time with her family or baking her famous Texas sheet cake and strawberry salad for family gatherings, she infused love into every moment.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Margaret Michlig; five siblings and their spouses — Harvey Michlig, Leander (Katie) Michlig, Lucilla (Arthur) Gugerty, David Michlig, and Joseph Michlig; and her brother-in-law, Dean Metter, who now lovingly welcome her home.

She is survived by her devoted partner of 42 years, Harry Burrows; her children, John (Cheryl) Daley and Karen Fryer; and her stepchildren, Todd (Debra) Burrows and Thomas (Melissa) Burrows. Theresa was the proud grandmother of Tyler, Emily, and Abbey Daley; Nathan, Ryan, and Victoria Fryer; Kyle (Jessica), Austin, Cody, and Zachary Burrows; and step-grandchildren Zach Antolik and Aubrey (JC) Smith. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren — Alexis, Gracie, Kameron, Kellen, and Kayden — who brought her endless joy.

She is further survived by her siblings Sylvia Metter and Michael (Cheryl) Michlig; sisters-in-law Kathy Michlig and Carol Michlig; and thirty beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom carry forward her laughter, kindness, and the quiet wisdom that always seemed to know when comfort was needed most.

Theresa’s legacy is one of kindness, devotion, strength and love that never faded — the kind that lives on in the stories her family will tell and the gentle ways they will remember her. She found beauty in life’s simple blessings: a blooming flower, a well-struck putt, and a table surrounded by those she loved. Known among her extended family as the “favorite aunt” and the keeper of birthdays, she amazed everyone with her ability to recall each family member’s birthday. Her warmth and memory will live forever in the hearts of those she touched.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton. Burial at Oakland Cemetery will immediately follow the memorial service. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, Illinois.