Theresa Lenhard

1918 - 2017

Theresa "Terry" Lenhard

Lansing

Our beloved, Theresa Lenhard, entered into eternal life on April 20, 2017. She was born to Charles and Charlotte in Gardenville, NY. She graduated from Mt. Mercy Academy and later married Frederick Lenhard. They lived in several places before settling in Lansing in 1956. Theresa was a woman of great faith and strength. It was this, along with family and friends, and a parish community that sustained her when her husband died unexpectedly at an early age. As a member of St. Casimir Parish since arriving in Lansing, Theresa was an active member of the Altar Society, Parish Council, and in later years served as a sacristan. She worked from home for a number of years. Always a wonderful cook and baker, Theresa landed her first out-of-home dream job at age 60 as a cook for the downtown YMCA working until age 75. During this time she established many friendships with co-workers and patrons. Not one to be idle upon retirement, Theresa engaged in volunteer opportunities with the Southside Community Kitchen and Ingham Regional Medical Hospital. She also enjoyed gardening and crocheting and, in more recent years, non-scoring games of Scrabble, Mexican Train and Rummikub.

Theresa was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Charlotte, her husband, Frederick, her son, John, grandson, Rob Wise, son-in-law, Jim Sullivan, and her siblings, Lauretta, Cecelia, Clara and Eugene. She is survived by her children, Mary Sullivan, Betty (Bob) Wise, Jim, Cathy, Dory, Tom (Linda), Matt, Phil, Sue, Joan, Mark (Beth), her sister, Frances, her daughter-in-law, Ann, 11 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.

Theresa had an abundantly generous spirit that manifested itself in many ways. Her loving family and friends can attest to the many ways in which they received her "gifts", most notably in prayer. But very frequently her gifts originated in the kitchen, her home within her home. Christmas baked goods and soups were legendary, canned goods lined her basement shelves, and dinners supplied much-loved leftovers. A faith-filled servant, Theresa will be greatly missed on earth, but will continue her loving care and prayer for each of us from heaven. 

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church with Rev. Bill Lugger presiding.  Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 26 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church.  The rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.  Family will also receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 27 prior to Mass.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Casimir Church at 815 Sparrow Ave., Lansing, MI   48910 or the Southside Community Kitchen at P.O. Box 80844, Lansing, MI 48908. The family would like to thank Dr. Lisa Ludwig and her staff, and the nurses and team from Sparrow Home Hospice who tended to our mother in recent years. Arrangements by Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel.