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Note: e a young girl in Germany, the after effects of a bout with scarlet fever. She spoke only German and was remembered as being an excellent cook. She lived with her parents during their lifetime, first in Spaulding Township and later in James and Swan Creek Townships. Upon the death of her mother in 1915, Theresia inherited her parents' estate. Theresia, in turn, formed a trust giving management of the land to two of her brothers, Charles and Michael Benkert. Theresia received an annuity from this trust during her lifetime. It has been said that Theresia lived with her brother Anselm on one of the farms in Swan Creek up until her death in 1948. Theresia was a very devout Catholic and was a lifelong friend and benefactoress of the Missions. The terms of her will specified that the residue of her estate ($5,653.25) be left to the Bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw to be used by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. This final act capped a life of continued prayers and constant gifts to the Missions.
Note: Theresia came to America with her parents in 1893. She was deaf sinc
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