A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Theresa Marie Gresko, D.C., was celebrated March 18, 2013, in the Chapel at Seton Residence in Evansville, Ind. Burial followed at St. Joseph Cemetery in Evansville.
Sister Theresa Marie died March 16, 2013, at 83 years of age at Seton Residence in Evansville. In December of 2012, she celebrated 61 years vocation as a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Feb. 5, 1930, Sister Theresa Marie was the daughter of Andrew D. Gresko and Mary Paulina (Clymer) Gresko. She was one of four children. Sister was named Theresa Marie Gresko at birth.
Sister Theresa Marie graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Cleveland in 1947. She earned her certification in nursing from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in 1950. After entering the Community in 1951, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and English from St. Joseph’s College in Emmitsburg, Md. In 1969, Sister completed her Master of Science degree in nursing at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Sister Theresa Marie served in the nursing ministry at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., (1953 and 1963 to 1969); Carney Hospital in Boston, Mass. (1953 to 1955); and St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. (1955 to 1963). In 1969, Sister was appointed director of St. Joseph Health Centers and Hospital in Chicago; she served there until 1970. From 1970 to 1973, Sister Theresa Marie ministered as director of nursing services at St. Vincent Hospital and Health Services in Indianapolis, Ind. She then served as director of nursing services at St. Vincent Hospital in Birmingham, Ala. (1973 to 1977); and director of nursing services at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. (1977 – 1980). In 1980, Sister Theresa Marie began her service as the quality assessment program director at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Mich.; she served there from 1980 to 1986. During this time, Sister earned an associate degree in art from Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Mich., and taught calligraphy and art while serving as an artist and consultant for renovation projects in hospitals and churches in the area. In September of 2007, Sister Theresa Marie joined the Ministry of Prayer at Seton Residence in Evansville.
Sister Theresa Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James; and her sister, Elaine. She is survived by her brother, David (Patricia), of Columbia Station, Ohio; nieces; nephews; and her Sisters in Community.