Theresa (Peters) Keefer

Theresa Keefer, 67, of Newton Falls passed on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2020.  She was born on August 12, 1953 in Warren, Ohio, the daughter Oscar Peters, Jr. and Lena Mather Peters.  Theresa was a graduate of Newton Falls High School. 

On September 15, 1970, Theresa and Donald Keefer were united in marriage.  They lovingly enjoyed fifty years of marriage, creating many memories along their journey together.  They loved to travel together and had visited all fifty states, enjoying the opportunity to meet and make new friendships along the way.  Family was always included in the travels when possible.

She was an astute business woman involved in numerous ventures.  Along with her husband, Don, they owned and operated Newton Falls Auto Parts, later NAPA Auto Parts, Hide A Way Storage along with owning and managing rental properties.

She was a parishioner of St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish and most recently had attended Our Lady of the Lakes Parish St. James Church in North Jackson.

Theresa was a kind, loving, generous person who cared deeply for family and friends.

Cherished memories of Theresa will be carried on by her adored family, her husband, Donald Keefer;  her son, Brian Keefer; her daughter, Shelly (Daryl) Ginter; her granddaughters, Alexis (Greg) Pecorelli, Callie Ginter and Delaney Ginter; her two bonus granddaughters, Keaghan O’Conner and Michelle DeMarco and her great-grandchildren, Sophia, Jaxin, Niko, Kai and Kalani.

Preceding Theresa were her parents, her brother, Ronald Peters and her granddaughter, Breanna.

A private family service will be held with Rev. David Merzweiler officiating.  Theresa will be laid to rest next to her parents in St. Joseph Cemetery in Paris Township.

In memory of Theresa, donations may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105, where Theresa was a partner in hope.

The thoughts and love for Theresa are expressed in her daughter’s own words.

“Our family is heartbroken, but convinced she passed on Christmas Day for a reason.  She was basically a Mrs. Claus! She would drive us crazy every year with decorations, gifts and festivities surrounding the Christmas Holiday.  We now feel obligated to go forward with her traditions and to keep her spirit alive each and every Christmas we celebrate without her.  She was our reason, the matriarch, the glue, our family’s rock.  Right now I can’t even imagine how our lives will be changed without her and I know we will struggle trying to adjust to a different normal.  My dad is devastated as expected.  They just celebrated fifty years of marriage this past September.   She loved her granddaughters and great grandbabies more that life itself.  They brought her so much joy and happiness.  The outpouring of love and condolences are proof that she was adored and loved by so many.  A testament to the impact she had on so many family and friends.  She was the most generous and kind person I know and I am proud to say I am her daughter.  I know she is happy to be with Breanna and I find comfort because they are together again.  I love you mom.  We will miss you always.”

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