Theresa Putko, 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at her home in Bay Ridge. She was born on June 25, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, to Marie and Stanley Donderewicz. She grew up near Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church, where her father served as sexton for more than fifty years.

Theresa’s life was molded by the Church, the love of her family, and pride in her Polish-American heritage. She attended Our Lady of Czestochowa Grammar School and graduated from Bishop McDonald High School. In her professional life, she served as the secretary to the librarian at Xaverian High School in Brooklyn and was known for being an affable and dedicated worker.

In 1950, Theresa married Henry Putko and began a devoted partnership that spanned 75 years. Together, they raised three sons—Thomas, Mark, and Christopher—creating a home filled with traditions, laughter, and home-cooked meals seemingly always waiting on the table. A woman of abiding faith, Theresa was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, where she was an active member of the community. She served as President of the Catholic Ladies Guild for decades and was a proud member of the Hi-Hatters.

Theresa never strayed far from her beloved sisters, Gertrude and Mania, with whom she bonded for more than eighty years. She was an ardently proud grandmother of eight grandchildren—Thomas (Krysia), Dina Marie, Chris (Freddy), Bobby (Cailan), Marie (Ryan), Joseph (Ines), Catherine (Jon), and Jimmy (Kayla). She shared a special connection with each of them, teaching them prayers, accompanying them in their successes and challenges, and making each feel unmistakably loved.

She traveled the world with her husband, Henry, visiting holy places, collecting souvenirs, and creating lasting memories through their shared adventures. She took pride in her modest yet chic fashion sense, exuding elegance and grace wherever she went.

She is survived by her loving sons, Thomas and his wife Maria, Mark, and Christopher and his wife Michele; her eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Theresa’s family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by Catherine and Teresa of Polish Home Service, as well as the visiting nurses who cared for her with such kindness and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa’s memory may be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 224 24th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.

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Visitation
Friday, April 10, 2026
4 PM - 8 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Funeral Mass
Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:30 AM

Our Lady of Czestochowa Church
224 24th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232

Cemetery
Saint Charles Cemetery
2015 Wellwood Avenue
Farmingdale, NY 11735