Theresa Kathryn (Hailer) Rudnick

Theresa K. Rudnick (nee Hailer), 95, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, loving aunt, loyal Cape Cod / Boston friend, and selfless faith-filled individual, passed away on February 12, 2024, at Carmel Manor in Ft. Thomas, KY. She was born on October 5, 1928, in Boston, MA to her parents Frederick and Theresa Hailer. Theresa's passion for serving others was evident through her distinguished thirty-year career as a Supervisor of Food Services in the City of Boston (MA)  schools. Her unwavering commitment to minimizing food insecurity had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of children. 

Theresa graduated from Mt. Alvernia High School in Newton, MA and attended Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA where her curiosity and love of  learning began and continued throughout her life. An embodiment of grace and kindness, she enjoyed  simple pleasures including time at the beach, trivia games,  and the intricate challenges posed by tackling crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Her green thumb for gardening, especially a knack for altering the color of her signature hydrangeas at her Cape Cod cottage, created a palate that  sparked many compliments and conversations with "passers-by." The presence of  the hummingbirds who were drawn to  her secret feed concoction  added to the sanctuary she created and called  home. Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, Theresa found solace in the rhythms of prayer, particularly through her devotion to the Rosary and her  patron saint namesake, St. Terese of the Little Flower.  She took pleasure in reading books that allowed her to explore different worlds and perspectives. Knitting  and oil painting avocations provided Theresa with an outlet for creativity-- and proudly allowed her to craft beautiful handmade pieces that reinforced sincere affection for those she loved.  Additionally, Theresa's culinary skills were renowned among family and friends with an undeniable talent for cooking delicious meals with impressive presentations that nourished both body and soul.  Theresa's "love language" and passion for gift-giving left lasting memories of her thoughtful character. She bravely accepted her adversities with faithful trust, which added to her sustained resilience. As a  "servant-leader" she always placed others' needs before her own.

Theresa is preceded in death by her loving husband, John D. Rudnick (October 18, 2008); sister Jeanette Benson; brothers, Paul Hailer and Fredrick Hailer, Jr. as well as loving nieces, Elizabeth Gorra and Margaret Brophy; and loving nephews Robert Hailer and Richard Hailer, Jr.

Family, as well as special pets "Gertie", "Kahlua", and "Flloyd" held a special place in Theresa's heart; and she cherished every moment spent with loved ones. She leaves behind a  legacy of love and is survived by her son John Jr. "Jack" (Kathleen) of Cold Spring, KY; her daughters , Maura (Paul) Cavanaugh of North Wales, PA, and  Leslie (John) Walsh of West Roxbury Massachusetts; grandchildren, Kathleen (Ragan) Rademaker, Jonathan (Danielle Butera) Rudnick, Jane Rudnick,  Kaylin (Sean) Hogan, Collin (Whitney) Cavanaugh, Patrick (Molly) Cavanaugh, Brendan (Louis Minora) Cavanaugh, Austin Walsh, and  Kara Walsh; great-grandchildren, Declan, Eloise, Hennelly, Parker, Kelleigh, Ronan, and Keegan; brothers Richard (Maureen) Hailer of Naples, FL, Peter (Janet) Hailer of Birmingham, MI, and long-time supportive friends though her life and illness including  Jacqueline/late Francis Mason of Westwood, MA;  Ruth/William Carroll of Roslindale, MA., Jim Greeley of West Dennis, MA, Tish/Roy Dorsey of Crestview Hills, KY and Renee/Dan Fagel of Crescent Springs, KY. She loved her devoted "second-family" caregivers at St. Charles Community, St. Elizabeth Ft. Thomas Rehabilitation, Encompass Rehabilitation, and Carmel Manor,   

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Pius X Church, 348 Dudley Rd, Edgewood, KY at 10:00 AM (no visitation) followed by a Celebration of Theresa's life in Milligan Hall, St. Pius X Church. 

Interment at a later date when she will join her late husband, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery,  Bourne, Massachusetts

Consider an expression of sympathy by donating to Theresa's caregivers:  Carmelite Sisters, Carmel Manor, 100 Carmel Manor Drive, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075;  and Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Charles Community, 600 Farrell Drive, Covington, KY  41001