August 25, 1927 — May 22, 2026
Teresa (Teri) Maria Thomas, aged 98 of Calhoun, GA, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Harborview Rome, in Rome, GA. Teresa was born on August 25, 1927, in Sulejow, Poland, to the late Jan Leski and Marcianna Sokolowska. In addition to her parents, Teresa is preceded in death by her first husband Alfred W. Lejman, her second husband, Max W. Thomas, and daughter, Carol L. Urbytes (David). Teresa was a World War II survivor and endured six years as a prisoner in a German labor camp. Immediately following WWII, Teresa and her first husband, Alfred (Freddy) Lejman, whom she met in a camp, immigrated from Germany to the United States, eventually settling in Saginaw, Michigan. Together, they built a family and had two daughters, Irma Christy Krusac and Amy E. Zajac. Teresa and Freddy remained married until Freddy’s untimely death in 1961. Teresa would later marry Max W. Thomas, who had a daughter from a previous marriage, Carol L. Urbytes. Teresa and Max added to the family with the addition of daughters, Melissa M. Schmit and Marcianna B. Fournier. Teresa proudly became a United States citizen in 1964.
Teresa and Max would eventually move to Southern California, where they developed a passion for camping and traveling. Teresa and Max spent several years traveling the country in their motorhome, which was truly a second home to them. Throughout her life, Teresa expressed her artistic creativity through quilting. She created many amazing quilts and was known among fellow quilters for her mastery of quilting. She was an avid member of the Scrappy Quilters. Teresa and Max moved to Calhoun, GA in 1999, where they became active members at the Calhoun First Presbyterian Church. They celebrated 56 years of marriage in October 2018. Following Max’s death in January 2019, Teresa continued to live an active and independent life, until her health began to decline in 2024.
Teresa is survived by daughters Irma C. Krusac (Bela), Amy E. Zajac, Melissa M. Schmit (Glenn), and Marcianna B. Fournier. Also, grandchildren Mitchell Urbytes (Susan), Darrin Urbytes (Cris), Trenton Urbytes (Lisa), Sara Keys (Damon), Ryan Krusac (Julia), Sabina Zajac, Teresa Waller, Elizabeth Kelsoe (Jacob), Matthew Schmit, Lilianna Fournier, Slater Fournier, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 5 PM until 7 PM at Thomas Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 11 AM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Pastor Irene Wong officiating. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 PM in the Georgia National Cemetery.
Pallbearers serving include: Mitch Urbytes, Darrin Urbytes, Trenton Urbytes, Matthew Schmit, Damon Keys, Ryan Krusac, Jacob Kelsoe, and Caspian Krusac.
You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com
Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Teresa (Teri) Maria Thomas.
