March 31 , 2008

Bethlehem University Mourns Passing of Lady Theresa Willett

Lady Theresa Laskowski Willett, friend of Bethlehem University and member of the USA Northwestern Lieutenancy of the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher, died on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 from complications due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS. Theresa and her husband Kenneth raised money to support Palestinian Christians. Their efforts led them to Bethlehem University where they funded the renovation of the Campus Corner and became donors of a $35,000 endowed scholarship.

Nisreen Al-Najjar, the recipient of the Theresa Willett Endowed Scholarship, expressed deep sadness at Theresa's death. “She was very kind and loving,” Nisreen said, “She tried to help as many people as she could. I trust that she is now safe with our Lord Jesus' protection.”

Originally from Galveston , Texas , Theresa moved to Portland as a child where she spent the previous three years battling the debilitating neuromuscular disease, ALS, also known as Gehrig's Disease.

Theresa was known to be a committed, creative and faithful activist for the Catholic community, a devoted and loving mother and wife, and was deeply committed to improving and inspiriting the community around her. She served on the board of many Catholic organizations, chaired a number of fundraising projects and volunteered for her local parish.

Theresa, 54, is survived by her mother, Dorothy Laskowski, her sister Kathleen Dickson, her brothers Pat and Mark Laskwoski, her husband of 30 years, Kenneth Willett, and their four children, Catherine, Claire, Christopher and Colin Willett. She last visited Bethlehem University with her husband, Kenneth, and their son, Colin, along with members of the USA Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem in March 2004.

May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen!