Obituary of Theresa Golden

-WADSWORTH, OH Theresa F Golden, 83, of Wadsworth and Naples Fl, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away October 20, 2009 after a long illness. She was born May 2, 1926 in Erie PA to John and Helen (Pius) Blasic. Theresa graduated from Erie East High School in 1944 and was then employed by the Bell Telephone Company as an operator. A co-worker named Vi Golden set her up on a blind date with Vi's brother-in-law, Hubert. Theresa and Hubert were married on November 19, 1948. They lived in Erie until Hubert accepted a job that moved the family to New Kensington, PA in 1958 later living in Apollo, PA where they were active members of St James the Greater Catholic church. The family moved to Wadsworth in 1966 and became parishioners at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Her five daughters attended and graduated from Sacred Heart school, where she was a strong supporter. She made sure every student had a uniform, and began the St Nicholas Day tradition, visiting the classrooms with the parish priest to fill the children's shoes with candy. Theresa was a Faith and Light teacher, sharing the Catholic Faith with children who were developmentally disabled. She is a member of the Sacred Heart School Wall of Fame. Theresa was instrumental in creating the Sacred Heart school children's choir, teaching herself to play guitar and learning the contemporary gospel music of the time. She believed that by singing we are praying twice. Theresa loved to sing and contributed her beautiful voice to Sacred Heart's adult choir, the Good News. She was a Mass commentator and Eucharistic Minister, visiting Wadsworth's nursing homes to deliver Holy Communion to residents. She was a past president of the Altar and Rosary Society. Theresa was well known for her keen wit and sense of humor. She loved watching sports on TV almost as much as she loved betting on them with friends. She was very competitive and enjoyed games of all types, particularly those played for money. Her strong Polish stock led her to participate in a variety of sports, including swimming, golf, bowling and to her dismay, tennis. She played practical jokes with and on her co-conspirator and friend of many years who will remain nameless to protect her privacy (Carol Foote). Theresa was a gifted writer and wrote a column for the Wadsworth daily paper called Goldenspun. Her letters were always entertaining and sure to bring a chuckle or two. Theresa and Hubert began wintering in Naples, FL in 1983, where they loved walking the beach and had many friends. They were active members of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. They worked with Habitat for Humanity in Immokalee FL, building housing for migrant workers. Theresa was a woman of strength, courage, laughter and love. She shared these wonderful traits with anyone she met. She comforted, encouraged, listened and brought to many people the simple joy of laughter. She was a loyal friend and loving person to all, quietly practicing and teaching her faith by her actions and the way she lived her life. She was dearly loved by all of us, and her love, laughter, and lessons will forever be in our hearts. Theresa is survived by her daughters Liz (Wayne) Swickley, Sister Margaret (Sister of Charity), Chip, Mary and Nora (Rocky) Seelbach; grandsons Joe Golden and Mark Swickley; sisters Eleanor Weber and Irene Davis, and sisters-in-law Mary Lou Blasic, Elsa Golden, and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Hubert, brothers Eddy, Buddy and Raymond, and dear friends Ruby Swineford and Father Thomas McMahon. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful friends, caregivers Charity, Diane, Josey, Juanita, Kristy and Nicky; and Amy, Julie and Kristen from Hospice of Medina County who helped to care for her. And especially our loving sister Margaret, whose tending to our mother made it possible for Mom to enjoy life to the fullest and remain in the comfort of her home. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 31, at 9:30 AM (costumes are optional) at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 260 Broad St. in Wadsworth, Fr Joe Kraker officiating. Theresa and Hubert's ashes will be inurned at Woodlawn Cemetery following the Mass, Deacon Roger Klaas officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Sacred Heart School in Wadsworth or Guadalupe Social Services P.O. Box 5034, Immokalee, FL, 34143. (Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 330.724.1281, anthonyfh.com)