Theresa Ludwig

Theresa The Villages - Ludwig (Sano) Ludwig With heavy hearts and many fond memories, we recently bade farewell to Theresa Ludwig (94) of The Villages, Florida. She passed away peacefully on July 26th while with family members in Central Oregon.

Born in Pennsylvania, Theresa married her high school sweetheart, Francis Wayne "Frank" Ludwig, who served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. As military dependents, she and her five children moved frequently, living in several states and countries. In 1977, Theresa, Frank, and the two youngest moved to Key West, Florida, making it their home for 24 years.

Theresa's many accomplishments include earning her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from St. Leo's College in 1997 - as its oldest graduate to date. Theresa worked full-time in U.S. Civil Service aboard NAS Key West, simultaneously participating in a variety of civic and community events, clubs, and organizations. She performed at the Waterfront Theater and Tennessee Wiliams Fine Arts Center, played softball in a city women's league, and was named Mrs. Congeniality by her fellow contestants in the Florida state finals of the Mrs. America pageant.

Theresa's foray into local politics included being elected to the Monroe County Civil Service Board in 1984, and subsequently voted in as its Chairperson. She was promoted in her Civil Service position and transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she retired in 1991 - after a 35-year federal career. Upon returning to Key West, Theresa once again embraced the island's diverse people and opportunities, even running for Mayor of Key West. Her efforts and achievements did not go unnoticed, and the Mayor bestowed upon her the coveted Honorary Conch Award and plaque before leaving her professed, "favorite place I ever lived."

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Frank Ludwig, and daughter Sheree Ludwig-Tiller. She is survived by three daughters, Lynda Crowley, Ramona Tweed (Kerry), Michele Ludwig, and one son, Wayne Ludwig (Cindy). Theresa had six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives, including cousins, nieces, and nephews.

For information on her Celebration of Life next month in Lady Lake, Florida, please email TheresaLifeCelebration@gmail.com.

Theresa was a strong, vivacious, and kind woman of faith who fully embraced life and others. She will surely be missed as much as she was loved by all.