Theresa S. Kretovic

Theresa Suzanne Kretovic, 56, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024. Born on December 5, 1967, Theresa embodied strength and perseverance, overcoming childhood leukemia at age 15 and later surviving seizures and a brain parasite at 18, which left her with physical challenges throughout her life. Her experience with the parasite led to new medical protocols for leukemia patients, ensuring they are now routinely tested, a contribution that has undoubtedly saved countless lives. While many may never know her name, her legacy in the medical field remains.

Theresa was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and caretaker to her pets. Her life was filled with love, affection, and countless fond memories of trips and excursions shared with family and friends. Her passion for animals was most notably expressed through her 30 years of volunteer work at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY, where she educated visitors about animals and hosted interactive experiences with pelts, claws, and horns from around the world.

Before her illness, Theresa was an athlete, competing on her high school’s swim and basketball teams. She and her family shared a love for the outdoors, spending weekends skiing in New York, Vermont, and occasionally out West. Their adventures included camping trips and a memorable three-week road trip across the U.S., long before technology shaped travel, enjoying every moment with car games and laughter. The family later purchased their beloved retreat, “The Chalet,” in New York’s Southern Tier, where Theresa enjoyed walks around the pond.

Despite her physical limitations, Theresa experienced life to the fullest. She traveled to Africa, Australia, Europe, and throughout North and South America, from Alaska’s glaciers to Florida’s sunny shores. Her trips often included visits to zoos, where she even had chance encounters with celebrities like Jack Hanna. A recipient of a Make-A-Wish trip to California, Theresa was also a camper and later a volunteer at Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp for children with cancer.

At home, Theresa found joy in simple routines—watching morning game shows, solving puzzles, and taking neighborhood walks. Her structured nature included dedicated nap and bedtimes, though she had the unique ability to nap almost anywhere, anytime. Visits to “The Chalet” were frequent, offering her the peace of nature and familiar surroundings.

Theresa’s life was enriched by her family, friends, and the many colleagues she met during her years of volunteering. Her infectious smile and positive outlook touched everyone she met, reminding us all to show more love and compassion to one another and the creatures around us. More recently, she found a new passion playing with the Bethany Presbyterian Church Bell Ringers, performing for local elder care facilities and at church events.

She is survived by her loving parents, Lawrence and Suzanne (Denison) Kretovic, and her brothers, William (Jennifer) Kretovic and Keith (Teresa) Kretovic, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins across the country. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Carl and Johanne (Balitis) Kretovic and Alan and Bertha (Riecker) Denison, along with her beloved pet rabbits and family dogs.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who cared for Theresa throughout her life, with special thanks to her first nurse, “Bean,” who remained a close family friend for many years.

A formal service is not planned at this time, though a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In keeping with her generous spirit, Theresa’s final wishes included organ donation through the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, with New Comer Cremations & Funerals handling her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Good Days and Special Times or the Seneca Park Zoo in Theresa’s memory, honoring her lifelong love for animals and her commitment to helping others.