Peacefully, at the age of 103 plus and after a life lived and filled with love, faith, travel, creativity and kindness. Theresa (nee McNamara) left us to join the love of her life, Francis, January 9, 2025.
Theresa was born in Tiny Township on September 19, 1921, the 3rd child of 3 girls and 5 boys to Patrick and Marie Ann McNamara. Some of her earliest memories are of going to the church in Lafontaine in a horse drawn sleigh, bundled under a buffalo robe. School years often were heralded with loading the car with preserves and children and driving to Toronto where her dad would have a teaching contract. Almost every other year was a new beginning at whichever local school her dad would teach at that year. Family life was full of simple pleasures and shared hard work.
Theresa took pride and pleasure in attaining excellent grades. She was afforded the opportunity of attending post-secondary studies and graduated from teacher’s college (Normal School) in Stratford. Theresa’s career began with small country schools including Highland Point where she taught dad’s rambunctious and cute little brothers and eventually crossed paths with Frank. Their story began after a rather successful blind date. His hearty laughter, generous spirit and gentleness won her heart and that like mindedness sustained a loving relationship for over 77 years.
Their spirited, loving exchanges, collaborations in the kitchen and garden the respect for their different strengths and fallibilities along with space allowed for independence in their creative pursuits and interests were the framework for the influence they had on us and on their grandchildren.
Equally influential was their shared faith and devotion to their church and its teachings. We grew up in an atmosphere of joy, respect, responsibility and duty.
Mother, Granny, Great Granny, Sister, Teacher and Leader, multitasker, world traveller, creator, serious card and super competitive games of all sorts player, creative cook and textile maker, nurturer, thrifty homemaker, gardner, forager, healer and wise dispenser of truth, she will be forever remembered and celebrated by all the lives she gently touched.
“Smile and whole world will smile with you”.
Loving mother to Sharon Preen (Michael), Daniel (Risa), the late Frances McFadden (Howard) and Michael (Donna). Much loved Grandmother of Paul Lalumiere, Penny Light, Jeffrey Preen, Jennifer Hurley, Katherine Lochart, Laura Musal, Alex McFadden and Cartel Cutler. Missed by her great grandchildren who gave her smiles and joy, Benjamin and Grace Preen, Olivia Hurley, Nolan and Spencer Musal, William Garden, Leila, Logan and Lincoln McFadden. Fondly remembered by her brother Thomas McNamara (Patricia) and Howard McNamara (Lorraine) and brother-in-law Gerry (Donna) and their many friends, neighbours and care givers over her last few years.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 from 2-4 pm. Funeral Mass will take place the following day on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 at 10 am at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie. Interment to immediately follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 208 Sunnidale Rd., Barrie. Following the interment, guests are invited to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home for a reception. For guests who do not wish to attend the burial, please make your way directly to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home to await the families return. In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa’s memory may be made to your local food bank or to the Barrie Women and Children’s shelter and are greatly appreciated by the family. A Livestream of the Funeral Mass will be available on the St. Mary's Church Facebook page.
Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com