KOSTOFF, Theresa (nee McKERRY) - May 29, 1929 – September 3, 2022
On September 3, 2022, Theresa was called home to be with her God.
Combined with a love for family, she lived a life of charity, generosity, faithfulness and grace.
She was predeceased by her father, Joseph McKerry, her mother, Geraldine McKerry (nee O'Donnell) and five of her six siblings: William, Pilot Officer David, killed in the Second World War, Maurice, Gerry and Arthur.
Her youngest sibling, Helen, resides in Brantford.
Theresa was born at the beginning of the Great Depression.
Her father was in charge of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Theresa told many stories of people coming to their house at all hours of the day for food, clothing and accommodation.
Theresa grew up in St. Peter's Parish in Toronto.
Her family possessed a strong Catholic faith which supported them through challenging times.
Her faith would continue to grow throughout her life and she would pass on a deeply rooted faith to her son, John, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Theresa worked for the Toronto Star for twenty-five years. During that time and in retirement, volunteer work also gave her equal satisfaction.
Her family taught her the importance of giving back to the community.
Theresa volunteered at Providence Healthcare (formerly Providence Villa) for over twenty-five years, five days a week, often sitting with residents who were dying with no family nearby. She was selected as Volunteer of the Year by Providence Healthcare, which recognized her 3,600 hours of service.
In addition, she also volunteered for a local school breakfast program and at a long-term care facility. She ended her volunteer work at the age of 80, after being honoured with an award by the Province of Ontario. Her life was devoted to instilling her faith in the lives of others.
Theresa was also a member of the CWL for fifty years. This was a sign of her commitment to support the good works of this organization in a number of projects for the community.
While her deep love for her son, John, and his wife, Mary Jane, was evident in so many ways, her love was also evident for all of her nieces and nephews. They held a special place in her heart. She was in many senses the matriarch of the family.
Her life took on added joy with the birth of her grandsons, Jonathan and Christopher, and later welcoming their wives, Jill and Robyn, into the family.
When she became a great-grandmother, her life took on another new dimension with love for Ethan, Jack and Arthur.
She was so very proud of her grandchildren, their wives and her great-grandchildren, because they are wonderful examples of fine, faith-filled families, committed to developing a loving caring relationship with the larger community.
She loved to bake for others especially for Jonathan and Christopher and their families. She often showed up for family gatherings with muffins, apple cake, brownies and her famous cheesecake in tow.
In her lifetime, Theresa taught us how to face adversity, health issues and disappointments, always with grace, kindness and faith. She was the consummate teacher.
As often remarked in our family, "She was our Mother Teresa." She lived by example and faced each day with wonderment and wisdom. She will be missed by family and friends but her words and actions will continue to be a part of our family.
She lived out the words of St. James, "Faith without good works is of no value".
Her motto in life was, "Let me create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair, and never let me become so indifferent that I will fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged."
Theresa will always be our special beacon, calling her family forward.
The Visitations will be held at Paul O'Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough, on Sunday, September 11, 2022, from 3-7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at Precious Blood Parish, 1737 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough, on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 10 a.m. Livestreaming of the service is available at https://www.preciousblood.ca.
With a reception to follow and a burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Mary Grove Camp (Society of St. Vincent de Paul Toronto Central Council) or Providence Healthcare through St. Michael's Hospital Foundation.