Sister Mary Theresa, SND Gebura

Sister Mary Theresa Gebura, SND

(Formerly Sister Mary Magdalae)

March 29, 1935 - June 4, 2026

Professed August 16, 1956

Theresa was born on March 29, 1935, to Joseph and Mary (Kosnac) Gebura. She was the sixth of seven children. Being the first generation of Slovak descent, the family celebrated many religious and national holidays and customs. St. Wendelin Parish was a second home to them. Theresa attended St. Wendelin Elementary School and St. Michael High School, both staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame. She loved school and enjoyed helping the Sisters care for the Church. As a senior in high school, she realized God's call to religious life, a call which had begun in second grade. Theresa entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on September 8, 1953, and at investment she received the name Sister Mary Magdalae.

As a novice, Sister Mary Theresa began a dedicated life to the ministry of food service, caring for her Sisters in large and small communities. Sister was unassuming, hardworking and had a keen eye for what needed to be done. She contributed unselfishly, loved being busy and expected no recognition. All was done well and conscientiously. Her active ministry spanned more than fifty years at convents in Ohio: Notre Dame College, St. Vitus, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Francis, St. Wendelin, St. Peter, Gesu, St. Gregory, the Provincial House and Julie Billiart Convent in Lyndhurst. Sister Mary Theresa loved to cook and bake. She knew gathering around the table drew community together. She took several courses to gain a better knowledge of good nutrition with fresh ideas and recipes. Sister worked tirelessly to reach out to the poor by seeking donations to be distributed to food kitchens and those in need.

In her retirement years, Sister Mary Theresa continued to reach out to be of service to others. She enjoyed cooking and baking-on a smaller scale. Her positive attitude and determination enabled her to remain involved in food service. As coordinator of the Country Kitchen at the annual Chicken BBQ her energy and work ethic were legendary.

Sister Mary Theresa lived her faith through her generosity of heart. She lived the phrase, "Make all your life something beautiful for God."

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Sisters of Notre Dame Center, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH. It will be live-streamed. Go to www.sndusa.org. Click on the Chardon Regional Center. Visitation will be from 9:30 until Mass begins.