Theresa Balthaser

Theresa Balthaser, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, after facing the challenges of cancer with great courage and inner strength. Even during the last months of her 73 years she led a full, active and vibrant life of 'going and doing.' She was a beautiful, creative, thoughtful, fun-loving woman who had many friends.
The daughter of Nellie and Paul Dean, she was born on July 9th, 1937, in Honesdale.
Theresa was a graduate of Honesdale High School. Following graduation she worked at Katz's factory.
After meeting Harrison F. Balthaser, a state trooper she met at a softball game, they dated and married on July 24th, 1965. Together they had two sons, Harrison Dean and Brian, whom she loved dearly.
Theresa devoted her time to raising her children, but also made time to volunteer for several organizations, including the Parent Teacher Association, and The Hospital Auxiliary. After surviving a battle with cancer in the 1970's, she steadfastly worked to raise money for cancer research and support by organizing fund raising drives for the American Cancer Society.
While her children were in school, Theresa fueled her creative passions. She enjoyed putting her love for flower arranging to work at Castek's Flower Shop, and created lovely holiday wreaths and decorations to sell at her in-laws' Christmas Tree farm. An avid cake
decorator, she also sold beautiful wedding and birthday cakes. She eventually decided to pursue full time work at the Wayne County Courthouse, where she was employed as a Tipstave - responsible for overseeing the jury and serving as court crier.
Theresa had always been an active member of St.John's Catholic Church in Honesdale, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She also utilized her talent for decorating, spending many years beautifying both St. John's and St. Mary's church for holidays and events year-round.
In her spare time, Theresa loved the water? when she couldn't be at the ocean or poolside for a vacation, she was content along the Delaware River, where the family would go canoeing and tubing, or later, where she and husband Harrison often went to enjoy the
scenery and a picnic lunch. She also loved going to breakfast to visit and laugh with friends. But for Theresa, family was first, and all things were rescheduled if her children or grandchildren (her pride and joy) had plans to come by.
When family came to visit, no one ever left hungry.
A woman who loved to laugh and celebrate,Theresa was loved by all who knew her, as reflected by the hundreds of cards, letters and flowers she received during her journey.
She was genuinely moved and incredibly grateful for the support.
In addition to her husband Harrison and children Harrison D. and wife Melody of Tyler Hill and Brian of New York City, she is survived
by her sisters Ceil Fowler and Marie Raught both of Honesdale, and grandchildren Eve, Celia, and Harrison Lars. She also felt a great bond with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her brother Thomas Dean.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Church in Honesdale at 10AM. Interment will follow in
St. John's Cemetery. Friends may visit Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale on Friday from 5 to 8. Condolences can be made
online at www.hesslingfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Evangelist Parish, 414 Church St. Honesdale, PA 18431 or the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave. Taylor, PA 18517.