We lived two doors away for a decade.  She was a sweet soul, kind neighbor and gracious neighbor particularly kind to our daughter Leah.  May she Rest In Peace and her family know what a wonderful human she was.

Kevin and Betsi

I remember Theresa and her family moving next store to us on the South River in the 60's.  I remember her inviting my sister and I over to watch the Wizard of Oz and the Rose Parade on their color tv.  I remember her and my Mom driving to work  at Woody's when I was in High School.  I remember how much she loved her three girls and how sad she was when God took one away. I remember how happy she always was to see me when I would make my annual visit home.  
It's been several years since I last saw Theresa but I will never forget her smile and I wanted to let her  girls know how much she meant  to me growing up. She will be greatly missed.

We always called my grandmother ‘Mema.’  She wasn’t just Mema to her grandkids though, she was Mema to friends and to neighbors - she was quite the popular lady!  Sometimes I would forget that she was named Theresa – probably because as a child, you cannot imagine sharing your name with anyone else. But as I grew up, I loved being named after such a strong, loving, and inspirational woman.

Mema always gave such great practical advice. I’m an accountant now, but it was Mema who taught be the earliest lessons about saving money. I’m a mother now as well, and I try to match Mema’s balance of love and attention to her children and grandchildren, while not hovering over them.  

Both of my parents worked during my childhood so when I got sick, either one of them had to stay home from work to take care of me or I got to go to my grandmother’s house – I always preferred going to her house to sleep on the couch in the sunshine, with a lovely view onto the river.  When my mom got sick and passed away, Mema made sure to put extra effort into looking out for me. She was always looking out for those who needed extra love and attention.

I will miss her so much, but I know she is in our hearts forever. I’m lucky to share my name with her, and I hope to continue to grow as a person, using the lessons she taught me.


Mom (Theresa) always said her diamonds were in the river. When the sun would make the water sparkle brighter than diamonds, I think of my mother. The worth of her diamonds was greater than any diamonds in the beauty that surrounded her at her home. The swans have been coming to her home from the arctic for as long as I can remember. They always knew the way back to her home, which she named Swan Cove. When the swans leave in the spring for cooler weather, back come the ospreys.  Mom would watch them all summer as they re-built their nest and dove for fish.
As children and adults, we could walk the beach and find driftwood, sharks’ teeth, and sea glass. We would call our walks ‘treasure hunts’ because we never knew what we would find. It’s a beautiful place to grow up – surrounded by beauty and wildlife. 
My mother designed her home. It’s amazing to me how the sun seems to always shine directly to her home, from the sun in the day to the sunsets at night. You'd often find us taking naps on the couches in the sun. At night I can remember the sunsets lighting up the house with color. The sunsets would be so brilliant -sometimes it looked like it was on fire.
Mom and I would sit outside just to watch the boats go by and to get some of that good ‘fresh air.’ Mom enjoyed going for walks. It was fun to see other people’s gardens and talk to the neighbors. She said walks always refreshed your mind.  My mother’s dad, Terrence McClean, used to say “If you’re sick, her home is the place to go. Its a little slice of heaven.”
God gives us so many things, but so many of us don’t see them. My mother did and it was a gift that she gave to me. If you take the time to look around you, you can see beauty everywhere. She used to say “Don’t rush, just take your time.” I now realize how important her words were.
Mom lived a long life and gave to so many. She was a very caring person. She will always be with us in our hearts.
Be free – fly away with joy & peace – have a party in the sky!

January 17, 2021
Remembering Theresa as a gracious lady with a beautiful smile for everyone. My heart is with your family as you grieve the passing of one you loved so dear.
Debra Booze
Friend

Your mother is always with you. She's the whispering the leaves as you walk down the street. She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick,the fragrance of life itself. She's the cool hand on your brow when you are not feeling well. She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She's the sound of rain that lulls you to sleep and the colors of the rainbow.       She is Christmas morning.             Your mother lives inside your laughter. She's the place you come from, your first home. And she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, and (maybe) even your first enemy. And Nothing on earth can separate you, Not time, Not space, Not even death.".                                                          - Author Unknown-

OBITUARY

Theresa Dearborn

February 24, 1925 – January 4, 2021

John M. Taylor Funeral Home

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