Riley 1931 Theresa M (Wukovits) Healey

Sept. 18, 1912 - Oct. 20, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Theresa M. (Wukovits) Healey, 104 years old, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 20, in her South Bend home where she lived for the past 68 years. Theresa was born on September 18, 1912, in South Bend, the daughter of Mary (Plaukovich) and Frank Wukovits.

Theresa graduated in Riley High School's first graduating class in 1931. During the depression years, she attended and graduated with a teaching degree from the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois. She began her teaching career at Oliver School on the corner of Indiana and Kemble Streets in South Bend. On June 15, 1940, she married Thomas A. Healey of Schenectady, New York. Theresa and Tom lived in Schenectady from 1940 to 1948 before moving back to South Bend. She began teaching again at Oliver School in 1955 until her retirement in 1975.

Preceding her in death were her parents and husband; sister Marie Wukovits; brothers Frank Wukovits, Thomas Wukovits and wife Grace, Victor Wukovits and wife Betty, and William Wukovits and wife Annie.

Survivors include her four children: Thomas Healey of Billings, Montana; Marie Milow and husband Kenneth of Arlington, Virginia; James Healey and partner Douglas Jones of Sandpoint, Idaho; and Kathy Powers and husband John of Mechanicsville, Virginia. Two grandchildren: Mark Milow and wife Trisha Miller of Alexandria, Virginia; and Thomas Milow of Arlington, Virginia. One great-grand child: Gabriella Miller Milow of Alexandria, Virginia. Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children, especially Chuck and Chris Wukovits of Mishawaka, as well as her dear friends Linda and Emilio “Guy” Gizzi.

Theresa was a member of St. Matthew's Parish on Miami Street for over sixty years, as well as a member of the Rosary Society and the Daughters of Isabella. Upon retirement from teaching, she volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul's Society and at Ridgedale Nursing Home. Having had four brothers, one son, and two nephews graduate from the University of Notre Dame, Theresa was an avid fan of Notre Dame sports, particularly the women's basketball team. She enjoyed attending the games to see “her girls” play and was so looking forward to another season cheering on Coach Muffet McGraw's team.

A person doesn't get to be 104 years old without good genes, a bit of luck, and lots of love and support from family, friends, neighbors, and doctors. For the past nine years Theresa acquired “roommates,” her children providing companionship, care, and love so that she could stay in her own home. Theresa's family would like to thank everyone who helped her reach the amazing age of 104.

Special thanks go to Dr. Dahan Al-Fadhl and his nurse Amy for their years of wonderful attention to Theresa's health needs. The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff on the 6th floor Lakeside Renal Care Center at St. Joseph's Medical Center for their loving care of their Mother prior to her return home. A special thanks from the family goes to the Center for Hospice Care for their incredible support and services in Theresa's final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm Tuesday, October 25, 2016 in St. Matthew Cathedral. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Family and friends may from 2-8 Monday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue where a rosary will be recited at 4:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice Care or the Ronald McDonald House of Indianapolis. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com, or our facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

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Zahoran Funeral Home

1826 S. Kemble Avenue

South Bend, IN 46613

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Published in South Bend Tribune from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23, 2016