Theresa A. Slanicky, age 83, of rural Braceville, Illinois passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Morris Hospital. Born October 12, 1938 in Chicago, Theresa Ann was the daughter of Thomas and Anne (Hajcak) Buban. She attended St. Rose Grade School in Wilmington; St. Francis Academy in Joliet, and was a proud alumni of the College of St. Francis, class of 1960. Theresa pursued a career as a teacher in elementary education, first teaching at Bradley West Elementary School and then moving on to Brodnicki Elementary School in Justice. Locally, Theresa was a substitute teacher at St. Rose School, Braceville Elemen-tary, Goodfarm School, Coal City Elementary and Gardner Grade School. It was from Gardner Grade School that she retired as a full-time teacher’s aide in 2002 after being at the school for 15 years. Theresa was a long-term parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Braid-wood. In addition to being a very devoted mother, she loved to read and do word searches. Theresa was dedicated to her Catholic faith, praying the Rosary daily. She loved to be with her children and loved even more making and sending “care packages” to her grandson, Nickolas. Surviving are three children: John and Michael of Braceville and Rosanne Whyte of Chico, CA; one grandson, Nickolas Whyte, who was the light of her life; one brother, Tom (Linnea) Buban of rural Braceville; and the father of her children, Kenneth Slanicky. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents and an uncle, John Vdovka. Cremation rites have been accorded per Theresa’s wishes. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 110 S. School Street, in Braidwood. Rev. Joshua Miller and Rev. Stanley Drewniak will officiate. Interment of ashes will immediately follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Braidwood. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials in Theresa’s memory may be made as gifts to a food pantry or animal shelter of the donor’s choice. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook, upload photographs, and share Theresa’s memorial page via social media. Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City (815-634-2125) www.ReevesFuneral.com