Theresa's life began January 28, 1927, in Hagar Township, Michigan. She grew up in Hagar Township where she attended Clymer School and then continued her education at St. John's Catholic where she graduated high school. In her early years Theresa worked as an operator for the phone company and bowled on their league where she held the record for lowest bowling score and it made the news paper. She spent the majority of her working years where everyone knew her as a cashier at Watervliet Harding's. She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a part of their Alter and Rosary Society. Theresa was an avid bingo player and enjoyed going with her daughter. Her great love was cooking and sharing her gift with others, be it with family or friends, she loved filling her house on Sundays during football season with the boys' friends.

Theresa married the love of her life Joseph Kolenko in 1948, together they raised a beautiful, loving family with four children.  Left behind to cherish her memory are: three children Thomas (Brenda) Kolenko, Christine (Gary) Tingue, and Joseph (Andrea Wright) Kolenko; four grandchildren James Kolenko Jr, Eric Kolenko, Anthony Kolenko, and Thomas Kolenko; and four great grandchildren Mercedes Tingue, Kelly Kolenko, Ariella Kolenko, and Camden Kolenko.

Theresa died Monday, November 25, 2024, at Hansen Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan. She is preceded in death by her husband, a son James Kolenko, a brother Joseph (Helen) Butera, a sister Josephine Butera, and her parents Anthony and Mary (Sorce) Butera.

Friends may visit with Theresa's family Monday, December 2, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a time to share memories at 6:30 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet, Michigan. Memorials may be made in Theresa's name to Hanson Hospice Center or Pine Ridge Nursing Home. You are invited to share a message of comfort with her family.

Corewell Health Hospice
4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph MI 49085
Tel: 1-269-429-7100
Web: http://www.lakelandhealth.org/caring-circle/give-now/donate

Pine Ridge Nursing Home
4368 Cleveland Ave, Stevensville MI 49127
Tel: 1-269-983-6501