Teresa Irene McDermott

Miss Teresa Irene McDermott, 91, of Orland Hills, Illinois, died Wednesday morning, October 26, 2016, at Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox, Illinois, following a brief illness.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2016, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, Iowa, with a rosary at 6:30 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Petersville with the Rev. Fr. Scott Lemaster officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Teresa was born at home, the daughter of William Cleo and Helena (Beitenman) McDermott on June 1, 1925, in Charlotte, Iowa.  Teresa graduated from St. Joseph High School DeWitt, received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and a master’s degree in medical surgical nursing from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  Teresa had a distinguished career teaching nursing at St. Anne’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago followed by Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois.  Teaching math to her fellow classmates in a one-room schoolhouse likely sparked her passion for teaching.

Teresa retired in 1990 and returned to the Chicago area in 1992.  She was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Church, in Orland Hills, Illinois.  Teresa treasured her many family and friends with whom she enjoyed traveling, golfing, and entertaining. Her hospitality and joyful spirit were a gift to all.

Survivors include a sister, Mary (Joseph) Ryan of Cedar Rapids, previously of DeWitt; a sister-in-law, Margaret McDermott of DeWitt and brothers-in-law, James Kane of Cedar Rapids and Paul McMahon, of Des Moines.  Teresa is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leonard and William McDermott and sisters, Jean McDermott, Ann Barrios, Lois Sterenchuk, Helene Kane, and Josephine McMahon.