Theresia Sheehy (nee Thomas), age 92

Beloved wife of the late Thomas. Loving mother of William (Mary), Doris Wright (Michael), Robert (Debbie), Donald (Christine) and Patricia Filarski (Jeff). Devoted grandmother of Denis, Stefanie, Christopher, Brendan, Bryan, Olivia, Brent, Nicole, Hallie, Collin, Katy, Bridget and Jillian. Great grandmother of 22.

Our beloved mother, Theresia was born in the small town of Hoppstadten Germany in 1933. She was one of 9 children, with 5 sisters and 3 brothers. In her early years, she lived in the home that her father and uncle built themselves. As a child she witnessed the joy of living in a loving family, as well as terrifying events of World War II.

She lost her father, a coal miner, when she was just 5 years old to pneumonia. She and her siblings helped their mother with countless tasks having to make ends meet. These challenges were met with grace and appreciation for the smallest of things as their survival was a group effort. A few simple ingredients on their table became a feast Mom would describe for decades. Her faith was formed in moments like these, and it was strong, and true, and resilient.

After the war, the US built a General Hospital in her small town. Mom got a job working in food service at the hospital. It was there that she met my father, an Irish GI who quickly wrote home to tell his family about her. In January of 1958 they were married and started their next chapter, moving my mom from Germany to the USA. Mom told us she was just amazed when she arrived in Cleveland as she drove through Cleveland Heights and saw all the beautiful homes here. They lived on East Derbyshire with our grandparents for the first year. Afterwards, my parents purchased a house in Mayfield Hts where Mom lived until the fall of 2024. She spent 65 years in the same home. Our home was a modest one to say the least. A sturdy brick bungalow that was well cared for and kept immaculately clean by our mom. We all felt, growing up there, it was never too small to hold a multitude of family parties, friends, relatives, neighbors and visitors from Germany. All were welcomed here. The amount of meals produced in the tiny kitchen always amazed us.

Three of our mom’s sisters also married GI s and moved to the US. Barbara in Michigan, Alma in Georgia, and Anna in Louisiana. There were visits over the years to each of their homes, but the center of activity was always at Mom’s house. There was always enough room for family. She liked being in the center of the activity, and having the house where everyone came.

Mom loved to bake and was able to produce and hide countless tins of Christmas cookies to be shared, shipped, and enjoyed by all. She frequently had us kids taking cookies or pastry to our neighbors. If anyone would stop over, there was always a fresh cup of coffee and a homemade treat on hand. Some of her favorites were requested at every family gathering.

Mom also took great pride in her yard. When people asked who her landscaper was, she proudly said “ you’re looking at her” She spent hours trimming and watering and even watering her neighbors flowers. She had the best looking yard on Temple Ave. At age 90 my brothers finally took the spark plugs out of her lawn mower, insisting she was finished, and the work would be done for her. She was appreciative, but always claimed she could do the job better herself. She was right.

In her best years, mom loved to garden, walk, shop at Marshall’s , TJ Maxx, May Company on the Heights, and Heinen’s. She loved driving her Suburban and Jeep, a tiny lady with big wheels.

Theresia had many lifelong friends. She sadly watched as her circle of friends got smaller. She thought of them often and prayed for them. But , after losing Dad in 2018, a new and painful loneliness was just about unbearable for her. They had spent every day together, and through Dads sickness, mom had physically and emotionally spent every ounce of herself caring for him. A true labor of devotion and love.

To our surprise, after our father passed away, mom shared more about her life in Germany than we had ever heard before. We began to see what her life had truly been like, and how she gained strength from going through very difficult times. Her perseverance got her through a raging war, a move to a foreign country where she knew no one, learning to excel at English, becoming a US citizen, and raising a family. She had deep faith, grace and appreciation for every small thing. She did not want fanfare or notoriety of any kind.

As mom began to struggle, she moved to a memory care facility. Even in her confusion and declining mobility, she was kind to fellow residents and soothed them. She was kind to her caregivers, and they always told us how much they liked mom too.

She taught us until her last breath what it means to care for those you love.

Rest easy Mom. You kept us in line, you taught us well. Your strength was unwavering. It’s time you enjoyed the beautiful rewards of heaven.

Inurnment All Souls Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to meet for Mass of Christian Burial, 10 am Friday, June 19 at Church of Saint Clare, 5659 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst 44124.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Theresia's name may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements by FIORITTO FUNERAL SERVICE OF NORTHEAST OHIO www.FiorittoFS.com