Obituaries

 

Theresa Walter

Died October 11, 2015

SUTTONS BAY – Theresa Walter, 90, of Suttons Bay, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015 at the Munson Hospice House. 

  Theresa was born Aug. 11, 1925 in Bingham Township to Andrew and Mary (Novak) Sharnowski.  Theresa attended the stone school house and St. Mary’s School in Lake Leelanau.

  Theresa left home for employment in a defense plant in Detroit.  Later she worked in Muskegon but her father’s declining health prompted her return home.  In 1947 she married Albert Walter at St. Mary’s Church.

  Theresa then began employment at the court house in Leland, working at the County Agents Office and the Soil Conservation Service.  Later, she accepted employment with the Leelanau County Department of Social Services where she worked for 32 years.

  Theresa enjoyed the simple life, gardening, volunteering, quilting, scrapbooking, antiquing, family gatherings, and Sunday drives.  Albert and Theresa helped organize the VFW in Leelanau County.  The family always enjoyed special times, numerous picnics and road trips.

  Our mother, Theresa, did as Mother Teresa advised, “Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.”  The family would like to thank the caring staff at Orchard Creek, Munson Medical Center and the Munson Hospice House for their compassion towards our dearest Theresa.

  Theresa and Albert raised twelve children; Joyce, Lois (Duane) Sudol, Victor (Sue), Kathleen, George (Sally), Margaret (Allen) Reece, Marvin (Linda), Ronald (Sue), Glenn (Kathie), Elaine (Ricky) Herman, Matthew (Nanette) and Mark (Sandra): she is also survived by a sister, Pauline (Gerald) Walters, an aunt, Sister Mary Maximilia, and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends.

  She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty one years, Albert; a sister, Joanna Furst; two brothers, Steve and Stanley; a son, Ron; a daughter-in-law, Patti (Houdek), a son-in-law, Allen and a grandson, Adam Reece.

  Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. with the rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Suttons Bay.  Burial will be held at a later date in St. Michael’s Cemetery.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.

  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Father Fred Foundation, P.O. Box 2260, Traverse City, MI 49685; Leelanau Christian Neighbors Food Pantry, P.O. Box 32, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; and/or Mass Intentions.

  Please share memories and condolences with Theresa’s family online at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Leelanau.