Therese M. Painter, age 82, of Belleville, IL, born on June 16, 1942, in Belleville, IL, died on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at her residence.
Therese was a dedicated teacher for over 40 years. She loved to travel with her husband and other family and was particularly fond of a trip they all took to Boston and a surprise trip to San Francisco. Therese was a voracious reader and loved many different kinds of puzzles. She was a loyal servant to the Catholic faith and was active in her church for her entire life. She tirelessly served her family and community with a never-faltering sense of duty, and she is loved immensely by both.
In addition to being a wonderful and loving mother, Therese had very special relationships with each of her grandchildren whom she treasured. She made sure she was present for all events and milestones and never failed to send a card in the mail early enough for it to be on time, regardless of whether she was going to see them in person.
Therese was never a selfish person and always put others before herself. She was modest and content with what life had given her, and she greatly appreciated anything extra. During the last few years of her life, Therese remained active and independent until her last breath when she passed peacefully at home with her husband of 62 years. She chose her path to glory in the end sparing her family as much grief as possible… even in death, she was selfless. She will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Chaklos; her grandson, Bradley Chaklos; and her parents, Jerome and Lillian Obernuefemann.
Therese is survived by her husband, Keith Painter; her son, Matthew (Tracy) Painter; grandchildren, Corey Chaklos, Joshua Painter, Jacob Painter, and Nicholas Dillon; and her siblings, Jerry (Maria) Obernuefemann, Mary Baker and Deanne (Michael) Vernon; and sister-in-law Jean Harlow. She is also survived by many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
