Theressa Jean Elder

Theressa Jean Elder, 81, of Meadville, went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Theressa was born at home in Grand Rapids, MI on August 14, 1939, oldest child of the late Arthur and Irene (Walma) Knott. She was baptized and made Profession of Faith at the First Protestant Reformed Church. She was a 1957 graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School and went on to work in banking, becoming the first female bank manager at Old Kent Bank. On July 2, 1964, Theressa married George Robert Harris Elder and they went on to adopt five children. Eventually, they settled near George’s hometown of Grove City, PA. She enjoyed raising her children and being a homemaker, later returning to her banking background. Here, she developed many personal relationships that have followed her to this day. Her talents included loom weaving many items such as scarves, rugs, towels and table dressings; she enjoyed quilt-making, sewing, and crocheting. She always enjoyed gardening and preserving foods.

She remained involved with her church throughout her life, most recently as a member of the Franklin Fellowship. Two years ago, life brought her to Meadville where she worshipped with Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Theressa was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, two of her children Donald and Tamera Elder and a brother Donald Knott and brother-in-law Wayne Elder. She is survived by her remaining children John (Faye) Elder of Oil City, Scott (Barb) Elder of Grove City, and Rebecca “Becky” (Doug) Sekerski of Meadville, grandchildren John Elder Jr, Andrew Elder, Stephanie Weismantle, Bethany McMurdy, Nicole and Leah Osborne, Ginny Korth, Blaise Rex, Lindsey and Devin Sekerski, multiple great-grandchildren, brothers Thomas (Lois) Knott and Henry (Cynthia) Knott, sister Cathy (Jeff) Booth, sister-in-law Kathy Knott, brother-in-law Merl (Diane) Elder, all of Michigan and sister-in-law Laura Elder of Cape Cod and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday, September 11 2020, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT STREET, MEADVILLE. CDC guidelines will be respected.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday at Emmanuel United/Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church, 30 Park Ave., Meadville, with Pastors Wilbur Bruinsma of Pittsburgh Protestant Reformed Church and Gary Gunn of Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church officiating.

Theressa will be laid to rest in Harrisville Prairie Cemetery with a graveside committal at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Pittsburgh Protestant Reformed Church or Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com