Therese S. Schoeneck

Therese was an extraordinary woman in every sense of the word. At age 93, Therese died after a 4 1/2 year long journey from a fall and hospitalization, coming to live with her daughter and son-in-law for the last four years.

Therese, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Gram, Nana, and Gigi were the names she answered to. Her love of her husband and family was unconditional and had no limits.

Born in Utica, NY, to Francis and Mary "Babe" Sharpe, she attended Ed Smith School, then Nottingham High School where her picture hangs on the Wall of Fame. The day after Therese and David graduated from Le Moyne College, she and David were married. They had five children and moved from Syracuse to Otisco Lake in 1971. Therese worked for Catholic Charities, then Family Life Education.

Therese founded HOPE FOR BEREAVED in 1978, a year after the death of their daughter Mary. HOPE helped thousands of people through their grief journey. Therese found people with the lived experience to help the newly bereaved and the longer bereaved who needed ongoing support. Her energy and passion for the bereaved could never be matched.

Therese received many awards for her dedication to our community. In 1992, she received The Post Standard People of Achievement award. In 1994, Therese received Le Moyne's Distinguished Alumni Award being recognized for her contributions to community service. Therese was named Woman of Distinction by New York State and Senator John DeFrancisco in 2007. The Schoeneck family legacy was awarded in 2018 where they received the Simon Le Moyne Medal. In 2019, Therese received the Nonprofit Lifetime Achievement Award. And in 2021, Therese received the Award for Remarkable Women hosted by Christie Casciano of News Channel 9.

Therese is survived by her husband David of 71 years. Children: Mary (predeceased), David Jr. (Jodi), Thomas (Christen), Margaret (Carl), and Stephen (Kristin). Grandchildren: Brandon (Josie), Mary, Davy, Alex, Noah, Caitlyn, CJ (Martha), Jessica (Elizabeth), Nicholas (Megan), Shelby, Justin, and Julia. 12 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Keith Hart, and multiple nieces and nephews. The example she set for her children and grandchildren has allowed them to grow in love and joy.

Therese was pure love. She loved her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her friends, and the nurses that cared for her. All services will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 1865 Route 80, Otisco, NY. Calling hours will be Friday, April 17 from 3 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to HOPE FOR BEREAVED at 4500 Onondaga Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13219.