Theresa Marie Collins Gerrish

Theresa Marie Collins Gerrish passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday April 7th, 2015; just 2 weeks shy of her 91st birthday. She was born April 17th, 1924 to Rose Helen and Leo Francis Collins in Williamsburg, Kansas. Theresa lived a long, full, and active life defined by her strong Christian faith, her love of life and others, her servant's heart, and her cherished roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. She was educated as a nurse at St. Joseph's College in Kansas City, practicing nursing as a ministry for many years. She was an incredibly strong woman in every way, yet stayed humble and giving throughout her life, a model for others to follow. She touched so many that knew her and called her friend. Among these friends was her close-knit church family at Glory Christian Fellowship where she was a founding member. She is preceded in death by Jim, her husband of fifty-five years; her seven brothers and one sister, and her ten infant children lost at birth. She is survived by her three children and their families in whose lives she was such a loving influence - her son, Jim and daughter-in-law, Susan Gerrish with their daughter, Melissa and their grandsons, Justin and Jordan; her daughter, Jeanne and son-in-law, Marc Mouchet and their children, Luc, Elise, and Jonathan, and her son, Paul and daughter-in-law, Cindy Gerrish and their children, Heidi, Julie, and Stephen. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. A Memorial Service will be Friday, April 10, 2015, 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. She will be buried next to her husband at Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family asks in lieu of flowers, a donation be made through Glory Christian Fellowship in her name to the Kenyan Orphanage they support. Though Theresa's gracious and loving presence will be missed, we all take comfort in knowing she is at home with the Lord.