Theresa Keilhauer
elevated wMKm7 November 3, 1933 ~ May 6, 2025
elevated wMKm7 Visitation
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 11:00 am – 1:15 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
*Eulogies to start at 12:30 pm in the visitation room*
elevated wMKm7 Funeral Mass
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 1:30 pm
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated wMKm7 Inurnment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated wMKm7 Section: 22
elevated wMKm7 Reception
Following the Inurnment at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home. All are welcome to join the family.
elevated wMKm7 Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our matriarch, Theresa Keilhauer (nee Reinprecht). Theresa was a woman with a huge heart. A kind person who had many, many friends and family in her life— a network that grew until her very last day. Theresa was a beloved Mom, a cherished grandmother, a steadfast friend, a social linchpin, and to countless others just “Oma.”
elevated wMKm7 Born to humble beginnings in Ruma, Yugoslavia, Theresa endured many challenges in her early life, beginning with the loss of her cherished father (Paul) when she was 8 years old. At age 11, she fled her home with her unflappable mother Katarina (Nanny) and her younger brother Paul, joining the ranks of WWII refugees. They spent 4 years in a small town in Austria until they were finally able to emigrate to Canada in 1948, landing in Halifax at Pier 21. Visiting Halifax many years later, Oma could still recall her mother opening her arms from the deck of the ship proclaiming, “I wonder what we will find in our new country.”
elevated wMKm7 What Theresa found in Canada was community, and a network of friends that never stopped growing. She was a shy teenager (hard to believe for those who met her later), but her warm nature and easy smile served her well in her new home. Connecting with the German community in Toronto, she met Eduard Keilhauer at St. Patrick’s church. After a brief courtship, Ed and Theresa were married. Over the next 10 years, Theresa and Ed welcomed 5 sons to the world – their “boys,” and Theresa’s most treasured family. Theresa proudly nurtured her boys to adulthood.
elevated wMKm7 In the late seventies, Theresa’s marriage ended. She bravely stepped into her newly found independence with grace and as her confidence grew so did her joy and determination to live her life to the fullest.
elevated wMKm7 Theresa went back to work, overcame her fear of driving on the highway, and invested more time with the Danube Schwaben community, later becoming the President of the German Club.
elevated wMKm7 Theresa started annual Keilhauer family reunions which became the glue of the whole extended family. She became a passionate line dancer, travelled widely, and made new friends on all her adventures. She helped her sons launch their business in 1981 and befriended everyone who worked there.
elevated wMKm7 With her boundless charm and vivacious energy, Theresa was magnetic. There was no such thing as a stranger in her life. Her network of friends and relatives grew and grew. Known for her amazing cooking, Theresa was a generous host who always had room for more at her table. She had a gift for building special bonds with women who found themselves on their own, fostering incredibly loyal life-long friendships with many cherished girlfriends.
elevated wMKm7 She was delighted when her family grew by 5 daughters-in-law, and she became Oma to 9 grandchildren. Oma was everywhere all the time— showing up to babysit, to make a meal, or simply to visit, never arriving without food and gifts in her arms.
elevated wMKm7 Oma laughed easily and made others feel comfortable laughing alongside her. She lived in the moment and seized every opportunity to have fun or engage with those around her. At her 80th birthday party, she heckled the speakers and at 90 proclaimed “I am the luckiest girl in town!!”
elevated wMKm7 She had a big, remarkable, adventurous, and long life. She was unforgettable to those who knew her. Theresa was a people person and as long as there was someone to talk with, she was having a good day. We will miss her.
elevated wMKm7 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant House or Sick Kids Hospital, two charities Theresa supported.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May she remain in your hearts forever.
My condolences to Rick and Michelle.
I am so very sorry for your loss! Even as a kid I remember your mom as such a beautiful person! Her smile was so welcoming and heartwarming! She always made me feel special when she talked to me! I am sure she will be terribly missed! 💔
So very sorry for the loss of your Mom
Very sincere sympathies to your family
She was a beautiful lady
To the Keilhauer family, we are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your families.
Many condolences.
Leslie and Dean Dajko
So sorry for the loss of your Mother our hearts are with you all. Cherish all the memories.
My sincere condolences to the Keilhauer family. I hope the many fond memories you have of your mother bring you comfort in the days ahead.
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. I so enjoyed my visits with her.
Fran, Long time no see. Hope you are doing well, and thanks you for the kind words. We will miss her very Much.
Ron
Gone but never forgotten, “You were a beautiful soul, Aunt Teresa…I will always remember the fun times we had, at family get togethers….Swimming at your pool, pig roasts in the back yard and more..You were always such a positive, happy, smiling person…
“Remembered with love, and “You are forever in our hearts. RIP
Kath & Ed❤️
Theresa had a vivacious personality that was admired for she was full of laughter, ready for song and dance. She loved life and its challenges. Theresa saw the best in everyone . The family written obituary above says it all. She was a special friend with whom one could share joys and sorrows over the many years we have known one another. Although her spirit now resides with beloved family and friends who have already passed on, her memory remains alive with me. Enjoy your spirit life dear friend.
Deepest sympathy to the extended Keilhauer family. Your loss was Heaven’s gain. If there is a celebration party going on up there, she probably organized it.
My Sincere Condolences to Theresa’s Family. She always talked about her children and grandchildren and was very proud of them. We were longtime friends and spent many hours together starting in the early 1960’s. Although it was impossible to visit these last few years, we always kept in touch by phone. Theresa will be missed by all of us, and her smile will never be forgotten
My sincerest condolences to the Keilhauer Family. I know Theresa was a treasure. Super fun and funny. While I can’t be there in person, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I was so very sorry to hear of Theresa’s passing. I wish I was given more time to get to know her. What I did know however, was that she was blessed with a loving and devoted family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Penny (Memory & Company)
Michelle, Rick, Katrina and Jake, Torey and the whole Keilhauer family, Gerry and I were so sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing and wanted to send you our condolences. Teresa was such a warm, cheerful person. The last time I saw her she came right up to me with a bright smile said, “Hi, Summer, do you remember me?” As if I could forget her.
I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely lady only a few times & will always remember her warm beautiful smile. My sincere thoughts & sympathy are with all of you with wishes that the wonderful memories will bring you peace, strength & comfort.
I was so sorry to hear of Theresa’s passing. I always loved chatting with her in the office as she walked by to say hello to us all. She was so lovely and I send my deepest condolences to the family at this time. She will be missed.
So sad for the loss of Teresa. She was a very welcoming and kind soul who opened her home to all of the friends of her boys. Number 6 Creekwood was such a comfortable place to be and to many of us, we will never forget its vibe and she was a big positive presence in our lives. Rest peacefully.
Our deepest sympathy to the Keilhauer Family. Theresa was a special person. We are grateful for her love, and caring attitude toward our family over the last 70 yrs. We have many great cherished memories. She will be missed.
Theresa was such a beautiful and loving soul I’m sure your fond memories of her will carry you all through the years ahead. She will be missed by so many I’m sure.
Dear Michelle and Rick,
Don and I were so sorry to hear of Theresa’s passing. I have fond memories of her dropping in to see you after work in her Dominion uniform and sporting that wonderful smile of hers.
Our thoughts are with you.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire
family. We will always have a place in our hearts
with fond memories of Theresa who was such a warm and kind lady.
We will miss her
To all the Dear Keilhaurers
When I came on the scene in 1982 and joined our wonderful German group…I think sixteen of us at the time….your beautiful mother made me feel so welcome and that love and caring continued through all the years.
Her 90th birthday party said it all and that is the day to remember and cherish.
May her Spirit Soar
Love Always,
Anna and Richard too