Therese Marie Kinem

Therese M. Kinem, age 98, of Erie, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Born in Erie on May 25, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Casimir J. and Veronica (Lendzion) Zielinski.

Therese was a smart, strong woman who took care of others and loved her family. She enjoyed bowling, cooking, working outdoors, sewing crafts, and hosting holiday dinners. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She liked watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and visiting her neighbors. Therese always told stories of her youthful adventures; roller skating and horseback riding, and she encouraged her grandchildren to take risks, like learning to swim and ride bikes. She'll be remembered for her kindness and generosity to others.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John "Jack" Kinem; two sisters, Gertrude Washok, and Florence Lapenz; her brother, Raymond Zielinski; and her daughter, Karen Lindenberger.

She is survived by her sons, Gary Kinem, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Mark Kinem (Deborah), of Jamestown, N.Y.; nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd., on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., and may attend a funeral service there on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dan Caram officiating. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.