Theresa Cruise

Theresa Curry Cruise, age 93 years, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022, at Corning Specialty Care, Corning, IA. Theresa was born in Creston, IA, to parents Earl Curry and May Vanscoy Curry. Her mother died in childbirth and she was adopted by her uncle Leo Curry and his wife Loretta Huges Curry. She spent most of her life in Corning, Iowa in the house she inherited from her father, which her grandfather built. She was married to John (Jack) Cruise for 63 years. Jack preceded her in death in 2017. She was also preceded in death by her son Patrick Cruise in 1989. Theresa is survived by her children Mike Cruise (Sandra) of Sparks, NV, Tim Cruise (Monique) of Bradenton, FL, Colleen Cruise of Omaha, NE, and Tom Cruise (Amy) of DeWitt, IA. Four grandchildren; Edie Cruise (Germany), Ryan Cruise (St. Paul, MN), Connor Cruise (Bettendorf, IA), and Erin Cruise (Bettendorf, IA); two great-grandchildren, Eoin Cruise (Germany) and Ahlayla Hankins (Moline, IL); and her sister Marie Ekdahl (Bud) of Corning, IA.

Theresa loved music. She especially enjoyed singing and playing the piano. In her younger years, she played the clarinet in the Corning High School band. As a college student, she played in the orchestra as first-chair clarinet and graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Marycrest University in Davenport, Iowa. After graduation, she shared her enthusiasm for music at WOW Radio station in Omaha, NE as music librarian. During her first year of marriage, she became an Executive Assistant at Boeing Aerospace in Wichita, Kansas. She later put her degree and love of music to good use as she taught music for 25 years at St. Malachy in Creston, Massena High School, and New Market High School. She also taught piano to all of her children and many others in the Corning community. She was a voice instructor and a played in a grand piano ensemble. She was choir director and pianist for more than 60 years at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Corning, IA.

Theresa loved sending and receiving handwritten cards. She was a passionate Bridge player. She played often with her many friends. She loved serving in church with her family and being active in many church groups at St. Patrick’s. In these ways and more she was able to spread joy to those around her. Theresa was also a sports enthusiast. She especially loved college sports, including basketball and football. She enjoyed cheering on the Creighton basketball team and the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. She and Jack attended Nebraska Cornhusker football games with season tickets for more than 20 years.

Theresa loved to travel. In 1950 she was able to go on a pilgrimage to the Vatican and see the Pope during the Jubilee Year Celebration, and returned again in 1988 for another visit. She also loved going on trips to Colorado with her children throughout their youth and loved every minute she spent with her grandchildren. She served as a Girl Scout leader and Treasurer for the Boy Scouts of America. She was especially proud of her three sons and grandson becoming Eagle Scouts.

Theresa was a strong-willed and determined woman. She had a big heart for her family. In the later years of her life, she spent her days praying the Rosary and offering prayers for those in need. She had a strong Catholic faith and wanted her loved ones to share in her passion for the Catholic Church.

A Memorial Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 12, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Corning with Father Emmanuel Bassey as Celebrant. Her family is requesting friends to stop by Theresa’s home at 600 Grove Ave Corning, Iowa on Friday, November 11th from 6-7:30 PM to share memories. Theresa donated her body to Creighton University Medical School. Theresa will be laid to rest at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Corning, next to her husband, Jack. Memorial Contributions may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church for masses. Memories and condolences can be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.