Theresa Clare Hodapp

Theresa Clare Hodapp, beloved daughter, precious sister, thoughtful friend, gifted student, dedicated athlete and servant of God began her new life in Christ, May 7, 2012, at the age of 18 years. She was born on December 10, 1993, in Austin, Texas.

Theresa attended St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School for nine years, where she enjoyed close friendships, memorable experiences and unwavering faith formation. She graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in April, as part of the Class of 2012. Among her many accolades, she was a member of National Honor Society, excelled as a Varsity Cross Country and Track athlete, and was honored as Prom princess junior year, Homecoming queen and Prom queen senior year. Above all, she was an inspiration to her SMCA community. Theresa shared close relationships with teachers, coaches, students and families who were integral throughout her physical journey.

Theresa was extremely devoted to her family and thrilled for the opportunities to spend time with them. Family outings and time at home are some of Theresa’s happiest moments.

Theresa always lived her life with such grace. Her laughter was a beautiful reminder of how silly she could be and how humbly she accepted herself and her circumstances. It was her bright smile that could light up a room, even in the face of her challenges. Even throughout the difficult treatments and surgeries, Theresa held steadfast to her faith, accepting the diagnosis of cancer as a blessing from God; one that brought her closer to her faith and her family, inspiring so many others with her courage.

Theresa is survived by a family she adored: her parents, Stephen and Katherine Hodapp; her older brother Dennis; her six younger siblings Frances, Daniel, Joseph, Mary, Veronica, and Nicholas, as well as her grandmothers, Helen Bily of San Antonio and Mary Hodapp of Houston; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Her grandfathers, Frank Bily and Cyril Hodapp, preceded her in death.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude for the countless doctors, nurses, therapists, and supportive staff members at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, and M.D Anderson Cancer Center in Houston; Austin oncologist, Dr. Don Wells; his nurse, Vely; the Specially for Children care clinic; and the Dell Children’s 4 North medical team members. All added joy to Theresa’s life through the compassionate care they provided during her months of treatment.

Contributions may be made in Theresa’s memory to Sunshine Kids at www.sunshinekids.org.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, May 10, 2012 at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W. Oltorf St. with a Reflection Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 11, 2012 at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.