Teri Kleckner

Mary Theresa Kleckner, known affectionately as Teri, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025. Born on November 23, 1948, at St. Vincent Hospital in Los Angeles, she was the eldest daughter of Victor and Rosemary LeSage Korth and a loving older sister to three younger siblings.

Teri grew up in South Pasadena, California, where she attended Holy Family Catholic School and Ramona Convent Secondary School. She went on to earn a degree from Cal Poly Pomona and obtained a lifetime teaching credential for elementary education. She began her teaching career in the second grade classroom at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Monterey Park before moving to St. Teresa School in Alhambra.

Teri met the love of her life, Ken Kleckner, on a blind date in December 1973, and they were married on April 5, 1975. Together they raised four daughters—Eileen, Emily, Ellen, and Erin. The family made their home in Alhambra and Temple City before settling in Placentia in 1986.

A devoted wife and mother, Teri was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom during her children’s early years. Later, she began a second career as the Coordinator of Children’s Faith Formation at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Placentia, a role she held for 12 years. In this ministry, Teri helped form the faith of countless children and families. She established Vacation Bible School at St. Joseph and pioneered Special Needs Faith Formation classes to ensure all children felt welcomed and included in the life of the church.

After retiring, she supported her husband’s diaconate ministry while remaining active in parish life and other community service.

Teri was known for her quiet strength, kind heart, and unwavering generosity. She had a natural gift for making others feel at home. Her door was always open—whether for a meal, a conversation, or simply a place to feel safe and loved. As a sister, aunt, and godmother, Teri offered steady encouragement, thoughtful presence, and unconditional love to those around her. Her family and friends will remember her for her steadfast faith, gentle guidance, and warm hospitality.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ken Kleckner; daughters Eileen (Anthony Dudys), Emily (Jeff Smith), Ellen Kleckner, and Erin (Steven Leslie); five grandsons and one granddaughter. She also leaves behind her brothers Dr. Charles (Rene) Korth and Gregory (Melody) Korth and her brother-in-law Brian Fogarty. She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Victoria Fogarty.

A vigil will be held at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary on July 3rd at 6:00pm in the evening with a prayer service starting at 7:00pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 5th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Placentia followed by a reception at the church. An interment will be at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Children’s Faith Formation or Precious Life Shelter, P.O. Box 414, Los Alamitos, CA 90720