Obituary of Theresa Ann Kieffer

Theresa Ann (Ferguson) Kieffer, 72, of Millport, N.Y., died Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Theresa was born May 4, 1941 in Elmira to George and Mary (Nickerson) Ferguson, who predeceased her in 1986 and 1997. She was the oldest of four daughters; her sister, Mildred “Bunny” (Ferguson) Hoy, predeceased her in 1975. Theresa graduated from Jersey Shore High School in 1959. She was an excellent student and an accomplished singer, frequently performing duets with her sister Mary. Theresa attended Mansfield University for a short time and later worked at The Grit in Williamsport. On August 16, 1969, Theresa married Thomas Kieffer and moved to Elmira. In 1973 they moved to Millport. Theresa worked at Thatcher Glass in Elmira before being hired at SCT BOCES, where she worked in Computer Services until her retirement in 1996. She made many dear friends at BOCES and continued to meet “the gang” for lunch regularly. On June 27, 1974, Tom and Terry welcomed a daughter, Kristin Louise Kieffer (Butler); Kristi resembled her mom so much that Theresa’s co-workers gave her the nickname “little Theresa.“ Theresa was a devoted mother who loved her daughter “to pieces and bits.” Theresa was an active school parent and a founding member of the Home School Organization at Sing Sing Road Elementary School. She loved her daughter’s friends and was always there to offer them advice. Theresa was also a wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren, Danielle and Gordon Butler III. She spoiled them rotten but was never afraid to tell them if they were out of line or needed a haircut. Theresa was an enthusiastic Yankees fan and loved relaxing in her den to watch games. She was an avid reader who could finish several books in one week, and she was always up for a game of Yahtzee. She also loved to shop, and particularly enjoyed Black Friday bargain-hunting with her sisters. Theresa is survived by her husband, who she gave hell to until the end; her daughter; her grandchildren; her sisters: Mary “Tish” (William) Huffman of Pine Creek, Pa., and Agnes “Elmer” (William) Neff of Mill Hall, Pa.; cousins, including: Thomas Brown of Elmira, Russell (Judy) Brown of Elmira, and Nina (Brown) Kilgus of Texas; a sister-in-law, Catharine Brown of Horseheads; and two brothers-in-law: David (Deborah) Kieffer of Elmira, and Martin Kieffer of Colorado. “Aunt Boots” is also survived by several nieces and nephews who she loved dearly and scolded regularly. Theresa’s wish was that there be no calling hours or services. A celebration of her life will be held this summer. In her memory, donations can be made to the English/McWhorter Trust Fund, c/o: Barton, Smith & Barton, LLP., 304 East Church Street, Elmira, New York 14901; to the American Cancer Society; or to United Way of the Southern Tier. Arrangements by barber funeral home. Condolences and remembrances at www.barberfuneralhome.com