Therese Van Rafelghem

     It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom and Oma, Therese Van Rafelghem, who left this world on February 10, 2026, in Dover, Delaware. Her daughter, Marie-Paule with whom she resided, was by her side.
     Born on October 24, 1929, in Brugge, Belgium, to the late Maurice and Celesta Verbrugghe-De Naegel, Therese lived a full life. A seasoned world traveler, she lived on three continents and frequently sprinkled her conversations with many different languages, a testament to her adventurous heart and curious mind.
Therese was the supportive backbone of her late husband Louis’s military career, and always made sure her children had the best that she could possibly provide. Therese’s home was a hub of joy, as she hosted countless events for the Belgian Embassy, and the Belgian American Association, as well as holiday celebrations that brought together as many of her loved ones as she could year after year. She faced every challenge over her life with grace and humor, rarely seen without a smile on her face.
     A true matriarch, Therese raised seven children, and took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed evenings filled with the excitement of Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, watching football with her son-in-law, or just listening to classical music. She was a warm, strong woman full of love for her large and boisterous family.
     Besides her parents and in-laws, Therese is preceded in death by her loving husband Louis of 59 years, siblings Paul, Rafael, Raymond, Liliane, her daughter-in-law, Rosalind, 3 sisters-in-law, and 4 brothers-in-law, who all surely welcomed her with open arms at the gates of Heaven. She is survived by her seven children - Johan (Lieve) Belgium, Rita (Patrick) Belgium, Marc (Dawn) Ohio, Marie-Paule (Christopher) Delaware, Dominique /California, Francis (Michelle) Hawaii, and Stefan (Bo) Virginia - her 17 grandchildren, and her 12 great grandchildren.
     The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Myrna Buenaventura, Lori Banasan, Cynthia Villanueva, and Rita and Jewel Byler, whose care and companionship during Therese’s later stages of life were truly invaluable. Also a special thanks to nurse Jariatu Russel, and the staff of AccentCare Hospice for their support during the final days of her transition.
     Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance. A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 East Lebanon Road, Dover, DE 19901. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11 AM. Interment will be at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery.
     Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com