Therese M. Cherry

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” -Shakespeare

Therese Cherry, cherished wife, mother, sister, friend, and most importantly child of God went to meet her beloved Jesus on January, 31st, 2026. Therese will always be so many wonderful things to so many people. She had a quiet strength, an enormous heart, and the kindest nature. Above all this she was fierce! Her commitment to living her faith was awe-inspiring. 

The day the shy girl mustered up just enough bravery to ask just the right boy to dance began a love story for the ages. They spent 64 years falling in love every day and creating their beautiful life together. Watching them jitterbug to Old Time Rock n Roll was like watching the world fall away around them. Their’s was no fairytale story, but a love based on their devotion for God and one another and constant communication.

Therese was a mother full of love for her children and grandchildren and that love extended to all the children she welcomed into her home. Her love for others, including her siblings and nieces and nephews was undeniable and ever-present. Her connection to God and living so resolutely in her faith has made an everlasting impact on all those lucky enough to have met her.

To anyone on the street Therese was a cute, mild-mannered Grandma with a smile that lit up the heart of anyone she graced with it! Those of us that knew her saw the orneriness behind that smile, the love and laughter in her eyes, the strength of her shoulders that carried the weight of the world for those she loved. Her hands were small but when they held you they helped put your world back together.

She would often say that she was not afraid of death, only the process of dying. By God's grace her prayers were heard and she was delivered quickly to her eternal home. Yes, Therese was little, but the fierceness of her love and faith is still incandescent. Her light may have dimmed with her passing but it is not gone for she used it to ignite the light within all of us.

Therese Marie Cherry (Klein) was born December 15, 1944 in Akron to Anthony and Ruth (Bennett) Klein. Therese was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Ruth, Edward, Margaret, Joseph, Bill, and Evelyn, daughter-in-law Dawn, grandson Timmy, and unmet grandchildren. She is survived by her devoted husband, her siblings, Len (Dee) Klein and Mary (Dave) Knepper and her children Ruth (Jeff) Holtgrieve, Rebecca (David Neer), Michele (Randy) Hughes, Richard Cherry, Ann (Bala) Nair, Michael (Ursula), Paul, John (Missy), Edward, Robert (Jen), Therese, William (Emily), Evelyn (Stephen Timmons), Beth (Andrew) Oster, Maureen, Matthew (Betty Sheu), and Monica (Mike) Redford, as well as 52 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and everyone who felt like her 18th child.

Therese worked for Toledo Public Schools serving lunches to school children at DeVeaux Jr. High, and Toledo Technology Academy and also worked for Hickory Farms. Therese found her calling through service to others. She volunteered with many groups over the years, including Heartbeat, Girl Scouts, Religious Education, Cursillo Movement, and prison ministry, touching countless lives.

Please join us in celebrating the life and love of one of the most precious ladies to grace this Earth. Family and friends will be received at the Newcomer Funeral Home Toledo - West Sylvania Chapel, on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, from 3-8 PM with a Rosary Prayer at 5pm. On the following day, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, Monday, February 9th, 2026, at 11 AM with a visitation at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. If you chose to send flowers for services, please avoid ordering lily arrangements due to family allergies.

In honor and celebration of Therese's life, please consider wearing blue as this was her favorite color.