Theresa (TC) Sachsenmaier Knedlik Leonard

Theresa Leonard, 48, passed away peacefully on November 25th, surrounded by her devoted family after a valiant four-year battle against breast cancer. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 29, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bruce Funeral Home in Spring Hill, KS. Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, November 30, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe. Inurnment will be at Spring Hill Cemetery, following the service.

TC was born on May 3, 1959, in Brooklyn, NY. She moved with her family to Thalwil, Switzerland, before spending her teenage years in Shawnee. After attending K-State, TC married Jim Knedlik, moved to Orange County, CA and started a family. With their second daughter on the way, they returned home to Overland Park. TC married Len Leonard in 1998, and they made their home in Spring Hill.

A successful website designer, TC’s true passion was www.KCPetConnect.com, a non-profit she founded in 2003 for the purpose of reuniting lost pets with their families. A true advocate for all dogs and cats, TC is once again frolicking with her furry friends--especially Billygoat, who lost his own battle with cancer last year.

Theresa is survived by her husband, Len Leonard; her daughters Kacee and Ashley; her grandson, Dakoda; her parents Dolores Duddy and Gene Sachsenmaier; her sisters Toby Sachsenmaier and Chrissy Baker with husband Mike; adored niece and nephew, Jordie and Nick Baker; and the father of her own beautiful children, Jim Knedlik.

TC’s family would like to recognize the incredible care and compassion given to her--always with respect and dignity--from her team at KU: Dr. Qamar Khan and Stephanie Rowlands; Dr. Mazin Al-Kasspoole and Dr. Allan Fleming: We salute you. Special thanks also to Dr. John Bernard, who always had TC’s back.

In lieu of flowers, Tax-deductible donations to the pet foundation she started, would please TC and can be made at www.kcpetconnect.com .

You fought the good fight, TC. Now it’s time to rest.