Theresa (Biesinger) Olsen

Theresa B. Olsen, age 89 of Wilmington, DE, the epitome of grace, kindness and service to others, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 after a short illness, less than a month shy of her 90th birthday.

Known as "Terry" to many and "Gram" to most, she was born on March 9, 1935, the youngest child of five to William J. and Ethel (Carpenter) Biesinger, the first of her family to be born in a hospital (Wilmington General).  She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Terry grew up on North Monroe Street and spent a great deal of time at the family's store, Biesinger's Market on Philadelphia Pike in Holly Oak where she was doted on as the youngest and learned the importance of family.  She graduated from PS DuPont High School in 1952 and immediately started working in the school's office.  She was an original member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bellefonte where she met the love of her life Arloe in 11th grade.  They were married in 1959 prior to moving to the Air Force base in Laredo, TX returning in 1963 and settling in Fairfax raising the center of her world David, Steven and Kristin, instilling in them the values of kindness, service, and perseverance.

 In 1987, her life was changed forever as she became known to all as just "Gram" and was absolutely adored by her 5 grandchildren and even more by their friends.  More recently she also welcomed 3 great-grandchildren always stating that she had more than enough room in her heart for everyone. Along with her children, she cherished every moment spent with them, from attending their school and sporting events, and vacations at the family's lake house in Ompah, Ontario to sharing stories, playing all sorts of games, sewing anything they needed and celebrating every holiday and life in general. Her home was always filled with warmth, and the sound of laughter, a testament to the love she had for her family.

Although she rarely spoke of herself, her life was filled with incredible accomplishments and talents all focused on helping and caring for others. She taught Sunday school at St. Mark’s for years and also served on many committees and other roles at the church. She volunteered at Luther Towers for over 40 years serving lunch to the residents and managing the kitchen. As a result, she was recognized as the State of Delaware's Senior volunteer of the year in 2017.  Accomplished in the kitchen she could cook or bake anything including the very best "sticky buns".  She was also a gifted seamstress who could sew anything from clothes to curtains, slip covers and other home necessities.  Her care and attention to even the most minute detail highlighted everything she touched including thousands of holiday crafts and decorations and decades of Christmas cookies, breads and pastries that were generously shared with everyone she knew.

The pinnacle of her service and a testament to her unwavering faith came with the untimely death of her son Steven in 1994. With the encouragement from her church, she studied and became a certified Stephen's Minister who served for over 25 years accompanying and assisting those who were grieving a loss or facing some other crisis in life. Through her loss she was able to help many overcome a variety of challenges.

Terry's legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering support for those she held dear. Her strength and resilience were an inspiration to many, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves behind a loving family, cherished friends, and a community that will forever be grateful for her contributions. Gram is survived by her husband of 65 plus years, Arloe; her children, David (Kathy), and Kristin; daughter in law, Diane Thompson (Walt); her 5 grandchildren, Melissa (Alli), Meghan (Tom), Corey (Christina), Sean and Haley (Chris); as well as 3 great-grandchildren, Sutton, Taylor and Tatum; and a number of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Betty Jane Hoestery (Robert); brothers, William, Robert (Dorothy) and Richard (Nancy); and her son, Steven (Diane).

Terry's passing is a profound loss to all who knew her, but her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched. She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. Please join us as we celebrate the beautiful life that she lived and the indelible mark she left on this world. Family and friends are invited to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 501 Duncan Rd., Wilmington, DE 19809, on Monday, February 24 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:30am with a Memorial Service to commence at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, Terry requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church at the address listed above.

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