Theresa M. Harenda

Theresa M. Harenda

Olean- Theresa M. Harenda, resident of Eden Heights Assisted Living Facility Memory Care Unit, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday (December 19, 2023) at Olean General Hospital.

Theresa was born on September 28, 1930, in Olean. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Javan) Bosko. On October 6, 1951, at the Transfiguration Church in Olean, she married Anthony Harenda, who passed away February 16, 2017.

Theresa graduated from Olean High School. She was a member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church. Theresa was a proud, devoted, and longtime member of the Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church and its Alter Rosary Society until the Church closed in 2009. There, she served as a choir member, Eucharistic Minister, and faithful volunteer with her husband at the Church’s annual picnic. She was also a member of the Pulaski Club Auxiliary.

Theresa was a renowned seamstress and did phenomenal needlework, crocheting and knitting. Her family and friends looked forward to her unmatched and authentic Polish and Czech cooking.

Theresa enjoyed traveling with her husband and close friends, taking bus trips throughout the United States. One trip she especially enjoyed that left a lasting impression on her, was a trip to Hawaii with her daughter and family.

Theresa is survived by her children, Barbara (Donald) Then of Fischers, Indiana, Anthony (Rose) Harenda of Olean, New York, Joseph (Denise) Harenda, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Stephen (Bonnie) Harenda of Riverview, Florida; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren (including two who are identical twins – much to Theresa’s delight), and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving and adoring husband of more than 66-years, Anthony; parents John and Mary; sisters, Mary Knopinak, Helen Pyskaty, Anna Prymak, Sister Mary Michaeline Bosko and Sister Mary Margaret Bosko; and a brother, Joseph Bosko.

Family will receive friends at St. John’s R.C. Church, 931 North Union Street, Olean, New York, on January 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11a.m., with a Celebration of Life Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, P.O. Box 5021, Hagerstown MD 21741-5021; or Eden Heights Assisted Living Memory Care Unit 161 South 25th Street, Olean, NY 14760,

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street Olean. Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.