Theresa Marian (McKernan) Leavitt

With heavy hearts, we share that Theresa Marian Leavitt, 70, of Wilmington, NC passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024 in the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center “Brunswick House”, in Bolivia, NC following an unfortunate illness.

Born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, on December 17, 1954, Theresa was a daughter of the late Martin M. and Frances Rosemary Weier McKernan.

Theresa had lived multiple places in the United States, loved her family dearly and had a great sense of humor.  She loved the beach and hearing about her daughter’s adventures volunteering with the local Sea turtle protection and preservation group. She loved animals, especially the dogs she had over the years, both basenji’s and yorkshire terriers, as well as feeding the squirrels peanuts and seeing her daughter’s chickens.  She believed in protecting our environment and always wished for peace at home and abroad.

Theresa is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Gore and husband David of Whiteville, NC;  grandsons Austin Blanton and Christopher Gore, siblings, Richard McKernan (Virginia), Veronica Frabisilio (Ron), Marlene Frabasilio, Marieta Lord, Denny McKernan (Carol), Sharon McKernan, Timothy McKernan, as well as a host of loved nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her ex-husband, and good friend, David Leavitt whom she stayed in contact with regularly.

In addition to her parents, Theresa was preceded in death by her brother, David McKernan and his wife, Sue Mckernan, of Indiana, and her sister Marieta’s husband, Mike Lord. 

Arrangements will be announced at a later date; with plans for a memorial in the spring, held by the family in Theresa’s honor.  The family will also attend the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center tribute tile dedication ceremony on April 12th, 2025. Family will share more information with family and friends who would like to attend.

The family respectfully asks that memorial donations be made in her name to:

Lower Cape Fear Life Care, Brunswick House

Donations can be made via www.lifecare.org/donate/

Please Note in the comment box when donating, that it is for Theresa Leavitt’s tribute tile.  

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com