Theresa Marie Karlak

Theresa Marie Karlak, of Albion, passed away tragically after being struck by a car on Sat., Jan. 1, 2022.  She was only 18 years old.

Theresa was born March 8, 2003, in the Town of Shelby, NY.  She was 1 of 10 children and was dearly loved by everyone who met her.  Her beautiful smile was so contagious, and it showed in her twinkling eyes.

She dreamt of being a veterinarian one day and traveling to Japan.  She loved Japan and wanted to live there when she grew up.  She also had dreams of being a flight attendant.  Although she was only 18, she worked 3 jobs because she was saving up to go to college.  She loved working and loved all the people she worked with dearly.  She was so excited to get up and go to work, especially Tim Hortons. “That’s my place” she always said.  If she could have worked there forever, she would have.

She was the sweetest, most innocent girl.  She found delight in the simplest pleasures.  She was so talented.  She loved drawing, painting, and had a great appreciation for art.  She enjoyed dancing, usually with an animal like her puppy.  She also enjoyed playing guitar, which her Grandpa taught her how to do, and she was very close to him.  He was so proud of her when she surprised him by playing “Happy Birthday” to him on his birthday.

She loved all her brothers and sisters and often brought home little treats for them.  She would take them on walks with her and little adventures.  They loved to be with her.  She was the type of person everyone loved to be with, and she was so full of happiness.  It was hard not to be happy when you were around her.  If you were ever upset, she would dance around you and poke fun until you were happy again.  She was always trying to get people to laugh, quite successfully.

She was taken away from us too soon.  Her life was just beginning, and she had so many dreams that will never be fulfilled.  There is an empty hole in our hearts from where she was taken.  She will never be forgotten.

Theresa is survived by her loving mother, Janece Karlak; 9 siblings: Sarah, David “Drake”, Christopher, Thomas, Adriana, Cecilia, Joseph, Benedict, and Emily Karlak; grandparents: Joseph and Mari Pusateri, and Leon and Rose Karlak; uncle Doug and aunt Chrissy Karlak; cousins: Samantha, Cosmas, Cyprian, Domenic, Peyton, and Kylie Karlak; many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, Fri., Jan. 7, 4-7 p.m. where her Requiem Mass will be held on Sat., Jan. 8 at 12 p.m.  Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

To share a special memory of Theresa, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com