Teresa May (Krebs) Schwartze, passed away on October 1, 2026, in Olathe, Kansas, after 93 years of a long and fulfilled life. She was born on May 27, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri, and lived a life marked by deep faith, steady grace, and a love that reached far beyond her own home.

Teresa will be remembered as a beautiful, loving, faith-filled, and gentle soul whose warmth made others feel immediately welcome. Her home never knew a stranger; those who crossed its threshold were received like family. She was strong in her gentleness, and her faith in Jesus never wavered. As Abbot Gregory Polan said, “She had her share of the paschal mystery, and she bore it with dignity and grace.” Brother Michael Marcotte remembered her as “an amazing person” whose steadfast faith endured through every trial. Others spoke of the ripples she left in the lives around her, of her warming smile, and of the special way she made people feel seen and valued.

Her family knew her as the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone could have wanted. Teresa took great pride in raising eight children, in nearly 70 years of marriage, and in the unshakable faith that guided her whole life. In addition to her marriage, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Teresa became “Mom” to hundreds of people in the Search Retreat and seminary families. She could be described as the 'support staff' for literally everyone in her life, the one who made things run smoothly, and someone who lived each day in service to others.

Teresa found joy in simple and lasting things: reading, especially reading to her grandkids; crocheting afghans; working crossword puzzles; decoupage; counted cross stitch; and baking famous treats, including chocolate chip coffee cake. She was also known for crafting an unblemished roasted lamb out of meatloaf on Holy Thursdays, a detail that captures both her creativity and the loving care she poured into family traditions. Teresa cherished her daily devotional time, and she absolutely loved seeing the first birthday babies featured on the weekend news.

A family friend reflected on her special gift for carrying painful goodbyes, although she is now happily reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Francis 'Bud' Schwartze; sons James Schwartze and Fr. David Schwartze; grandsons Nate and Sam Schwartze; parents Christopher and Mary Anna (Kobett) Krebs; and her siblings Charles Krebs, Jim Krebs, Paul Krebs, Ann Eikel, and Mary Margaret Eikel. Even in sorrow, Teresa’s life bore witness to compassion, endurance, and abiding love.

Teresa is profoundly missed by those she leaves behind: sons Kenneth Schwartze (Susan), John Schwartze (Cindy), and Carl Schwartze (Vikki); daughters Sue Bellassai (Angelo), Beth Schwartze, and Karen Daues (Jim); daughter-in-law Mary Schwartze; 22 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Her family smiles at the thought of her precious chipmunk face, her humor, and her accepting nature. They remember her wish to stand on the transparent overlook at the Grand Canyon, her “Lunch and a Movie” dates, and the joy of watching “The Price is Right” together. Her family remembers her smile, the way she always made time to listen, and the comfort of her hugs. They remember fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, and the chocolate chip and blueberry coffee cakes that became part of the language of her love.

All services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2 E. 75th St, Kansas City, MO 64114. Visitation will begin at 10a.m., with a Rosary prayed at 11a.m., and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30a.m. Burial to follow Mass at Mt Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: Conception Abbey, 37174 State Hwy VV, Conception, MO 64433, in memory of Teresa.

Teresa May Schwartze, our forever missed and deeply loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, leaves behind a legacy of faith, hospitality, humor, and steadfast love. Her life was full, well lived, and generously given.