Theri was born into a Zurich family. After earning a diploma as a trilingual secretary, she worked for her father at a thriving office supply company, which she planned to take over after his retirement.

But in 1947, she encountered Moral Rearmament and discovered, through the books and meetings at Caux, ideas that changed the course of her life. She made some difficult personal decisions and began working with Moral Re-Armament as a full-time volunteer.

In 1950, Theri traveled to the United States and Africa for extended stays. There, she says, she learned what it means to serve and to do what needs to be done, without complaining. She formed many friendships, some of which lasted a lifetime. Shortly after their marriage in 1959, Théri and Marcel were asked to spend three months in Cyprus to take over responsibility for the work of Moral Re-Armament there. Those three months would turn into three remarkable decades, the story of which can be read in their book Hope Never Dies.

Caux always played an essential role in Theri’s life and thinking, and she never ceased to take an interest in what was happening there and in all those who contribute to the unique atmosphere that forms the ‘living fabric’ of this meeting place. On the occasion of her funeral, a large number of tributes poured in from all corners of the world, particularly from the Middle East.