Teresa was born in Foxford, Co. Mayo, Ireland on October 7, 1933 to Patrick and Mary Ellen McGowan.
In 1952 at the age of 18 Teresa boarded The Brittanic and embarked for New York City, the biggest city in the world, without a single friend, looking for opportunity and a better life.
Her greatest achievements were her devotion to her family and making friends wherever she went. She drew people to her with her wit, charm, kindness, ability to listen, unselfishness, and non-judgmental qualities. If you were a friend of Teresa’s you were a friend for life.
Teresa’s favorite job was working at The Candle Shoppe in the Continent in Columbus, Ohio. The joke was when our dad retired she went out and got a job!
She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Worthington, and the Obama Ladies Group. Teresa was an avid reader and loved crime shows. She volunteered for the Democratic Party and the Obama campaign.
She loved politics and Irish and American History and was happy to share that with you. In her younger days she couldn’t pass up a garage sale. One of her greatest finds was a Waterford lamp! She enjoyed shopping for other people and you never left her house empty handed. QVC and Beekman 1802 will be devastated by the passing of Teresa. And the UPS driver sent his condolences!
Teresa was instrumental in helping raise her grandson Grant. They listened to so much Irish music in the car that Grant took up bagpipes!
Our mother’s love was all embracing, all accepting, nourishing, nurturing, warm safe and supportive. She soothed the places inside of our hearts that felt sad and lonely. Each day we were grateful to God for blessing us with an amazing mother like her. Always giving without expecting anything in return. Her smiling Irish eyes left light and happiness felt by everyone around her.
Mom, we know you are “posing for holy pictures” now. You will be greatly missed.
Teresa is survived by her children Mary Bradford, David G. Millard, Sean G. Millard, and her only grandson Grant Bradford.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband David C. Millard, son Kevin G Millard, brothers Joseph and Patrick McGowan, and sister Attracta McGowan.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Worthington Food Pantry.
A visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. A memorial mass will occur Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St John's Episcopal Church, 700 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085.
Mary will be laid to rest in Blendon Central Cemetery, 6330 South Hempstead Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081.
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