Therese Marie RonanMarch 28, 1956 - August 7, 2005
Therese Marie RonanMarch 28, 1956 - August 7, 2005
Published in Kansas City Star from Aug. 9 to Aug. 10, 2005
Therese Marie Ronan, 49, passed away peacefully August 7, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital.
Therese was born March 28, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to William P., Jr., and Patricia D. Ronan.
Therese graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1975and attended Johnson County Community College. Therese was a very kind, loving and caring person who had a deep religious faith. She volunteered her time for the Autism Aspergers Society. Therese was a tireless advocate and spokeswoman for the Autism Society both locally and nationally. Among her many accomplishments, she was most proud of the book she wrote entitled "Therese: Living with Autism", published in 2003 and dedicated to her Aunt Eileen and Mother. Publishing her book was Therese's dream and it became a driving force in her life. Working tirelessly for 10 years persevering despite adversity. Therese accomplished her dream and found that writing the book was not only self satisfying, but it touched the lives of many people affected by autism. Therese believed that "If you put your mind to it and believe in the magic of dreams, you can achieve your dream."
Therese is survived by her mother Patricia Ronan (Olathe, KS) and her aunt Eileen Madaic (Overland Park) who was in many ways like a second mother. She is also survived by her proud brothers and their spouses, William III and Nancy Ronan (Leawood, KS), Timothy Ronan and Deanna Coffey (Prairie Village), Michael Ronan (Orlando, FL) Patrick and Mireya Ronan (Lenexa, KS), John and Erin Ronan (Overland Park, KS). Survivors also include: her nephews, Michael William IV, Matthew, Ryan, Daniel, Connor, and Christian; her nieces, Kathryn, Frances, and Callie; and many other dear relatives and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the care providers of ArCare and L'Arche and the the devoted doctors and nurses of St. Lukes's medical intensive care unit.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Overland Park, KS, with burial at Calvery Cemetary in Kansas City, MO. Friends may call Tuesday, August 9, 2005 from 5-7 p.m. at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS 66204, where the rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to ArCare, 8001 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66204 (913) 648-0233 and the Autism Society of Johnson County KS, PO Box 25563, Overland Park, KS 66225, or L'Arche PO Box 40493, Overland, KS 66204, 913-341-2265 (Arr. McGilley & Hoge Funeral Home 913-642-3565)