Therese L. DeLuca

Therese L. DeLuca 
September 14, 1950 – June 7, 2024

Just as the sun began to rise on June 7, 2024, Therese passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Anthony and Viola DeLuca. She is survived by her sister, Kathleen “Nena” Brabec (Frederick Bender); niece, Kristina Brumby (Max); and great-nephew, Roman.

Therese (Terri) was determined to set the world on fire from the day she was born on September 14, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was smart as a whip, quick-witted, and regularly challenged the status quo — especially when it came to breaking through the barriers of traditional Italian expectations of what a daughter should do after high school. That is, get a job, live at home until marriage, and have a family. But Terri didn’t see things that way.

After graduating from Omaha North High School in 1968, she earned a scholarship to Creighton University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. She landed her first full-time job as an underwriter at Mutual of Omaha. It was then that she sent shockwaves through the pillars of Italian tradition and moved out into her own apartment. As it turned out, her parents couldn’t have been prouder.

As if one degree wasn’t enough, Terri earned a second degree in decision science from the University of Nebraska Omaha. She continued working at Mutual (where she met some of her dearest, life-long friends) and retired after 25 years. She eventually moved on to work at World Insurance, then Blessed Sacrament Parish as the school secretary, and later at Safe Harbor Crisis Services.

Outside of work and studies, Terri was a beautiful seamstress and loved crafting. She had a sharp eye for color and design, which showed in the handmade gifts she made for family and friends, as well as in the many colorful bracelets and earrings she created.

Above all, Terri was a kind, thoughtful and generous soul. Nothing brought her more joy than sending cards and giving gifts to family and friends, and to anyone who needed to be uplifted. She was especially passionate about animals and rescued a number of dogs and cats over the years. Her pets meant everything to her.

Terri loved her family dearly and was beyond excited for the arrival of her great nephew, Roman, in February. She was a bright light in this world and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, dear sister. We love you for all of eternity.

VISITATION: begins Thursday, June 13^th, at 10 a.m., followed by a FUNERAL SERVICE at 11 a.m., all at West Center Chapel. INTERMENT, Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Hearts United for Animals.

To view a Live Broadcast of the Funeral Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of the home page.