Theresa F. Schaub, Died September 2, 2018

Theresa F. Schaub

Died Sept. 2, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Theresa Florence Schaub, 95, of Lake Leelanau, died Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018 at French Manor Extended Care.

Theresa was born April 3, 1923 in Lake Leelanau, the daughter of Louis E. Schaub and Theresa (Popp) Schaub.

Theresa’s character was founded on a deep and unwavering faith.  A graduate of Lake Leelanau St. Mary’s School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Aquinas College.   After a few years of teaching grade school, she furthered her education at  the University of Michigan where she earned a Master Degree in Library Science.

Theresa found her professional calling in children’s literature.  She began her career at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, one of the few libraries in the United States having a children’s literature department at that time.  Ten years later, wanting to be closer to her family, she moved back to Michigan where she worked in the Saginaw city library for several years.  In 1963 she was offered a position at the Traverse City Public Library where she was responsible for the children’s literature section for 3o years.

Fondly known as Miss Schaub or the “Story Lady”, Theresa initiated a weekly story hour for children of all ages, often using puppets, costumes, and other props to enhance the storytelling.  She enjoyed introducing children to the world of literature and helping them use the library resources to continue their learning.

Theresa retired in 1993 but never stopped giving of herself to her family and community.  She continued storytelling by volunteering at St. Mary’s Schools for 20 years, reading stories to generations of St. Mary’s students.  A daily mass attendee, she faithfully served her church as a lector and Eucharistic minister, and supported numerous Catholic charities. 

Theresa shared her love of literature by regularly blessing her loved ones and friends with her signature gift of a book, often with a faith-based theme.  Each book was always selected with care and the recipient’s interests or needs in mind.  She was a gentle and pious woman, blessed with a remarkable memory and a heritage of faith which she sought to pass on to future generations.  She enjoyed reading, music, gardening, cooking, and sharing a cup of tea.

Theresa is survived by her brother Louis (Judy) Schaub of Grand Rapids, sister-in-law Jean Schaub of Lake Leelanau, ten nieces and nephews, and many loving great and great great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Francis X. Schaub, her sisters, Sister Ottilia Schaub O.D., Sister Charlotte Schaub O.D., two nieces, Susan Messick, Susan Schaub, and three nephews, Jim Schaub, Evan Messick, and Price Schaub.

Visitation will be held today, Thursday, Sept. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m.- at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Father Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Parish, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 or the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, 2025 Fulton Street East Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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