Obituary of Theresa D. Thomas

Rochester - Theresa Dolores Thomas (Hasenauer) died peacefully at the age of 92 on October 6, 2025. Born May 8, 1933, she was the daughter of Albert Hasenauer & Ada Hosenfeld; the sibling of 9, Annie, Peter, Eddie, Mike, Pauline, Lois, Richard, Gertie, Kathleen; the loving Wife of Howard Thomas Jr., married for 62 years; the mother of Bob Thomas (Sharon), Kathy Shepanski (Jim), David Thomas, and Mary Ann Rath; the grandma of 16; the great grandma of 28; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Charlie Rath.

Theresa Thomas was very fragile in body in her last years, but her heart was always strong. Her great-grandson John said the other day during his visit to the hospice, "Great Gramma was always so kind to me". 

Theresa has experienced a lot in her life. She grew up in the 1930's and 40's with 9 siblings. At age 8, she lost her mother, at age 8, she lost her little sister, and also at age 8 she lost her Daddy.  Aunt Tessy, a single woman, took in all 9 children. At age 10, Theresa needed her tonsils out, but was too underweight for the operation. So off to a convent in Elmira she went for the nuns to fatten her up a bit for the operation. 

Years later, Theresa worked at Kodak’s Lincoln plant making bomb fuses during the Korean War. There, she met Howie. On her first date with Howie, she reached down and changed the station on Howie’s car radio. Howie then drove around the block and dropped her off at her home. They were married in 1955 and had 4 children.

Theresa has moved 42 times in her life. Most of these moves required redecorating and new furniture. She finally got a driver’s license when she was in her 50's, but never drove. In her 80's, with the loss of Howie, she had to learn to live by herself. If Bingo was around, she was there. Theresa’s Love Language was giving. If we gave her something for her place, she would pass it on as a gift to someone else.

Theresa loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she always brought treats and made sure they all knew how to play cards. 

Theresa always looked forward to heaven, always thinking she would die young and see Mother and Daddy. But God had other ideas, she lived 92 years... as she joined her Savior, I am sure she heard…"Well done, good and faithful servant” Theresa Thomas, sister of 9, mother of 4, Gramma of 16, and great gramma of 28, daughter of the King.

Family and friends are invited to attend Theresa's Memorial Mass on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 11:00 am at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's Church, 3747 Brick Schoolhouse Rd., Hamlin, NY 14464. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Parma Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, Rochester Regional Health Foundation, 330 Monroe Avenue, Suite 400, Rochester, New York 14607 in Theresa's memory.