OBITUARY: Theresa M. (Kennedy) Hanlon, 92

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Theresa M. (Kennedy) Hanlon, “Terry”, age 92, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away in the presence of love on November 3, 2024.

Terry was born on September 18, 1932, in Boston, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Edward and Teresa (Schroeder) Kennedy. Terry grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford High School.

As a child, Terry spent many summers at Martin’s Pond in North Reading with her family. She treasured many wonderful memories of those summers and often told stories of growing up there. North Reading will always have a special place in her heart; her father, Edward, was a petitioner to bring St. Theresa’s Church to North Reading.

After graduating from high school, Terry went to work for the Red Cross as a nurse’s aide. Her special ability to nurture and care for others was a true asset to the Red Cross.

Terry married her husband, Bill Hanlon, on May 14, 1955, and in 1959 they settled in their forever home on Sprucewood Road. Terry and Bill had a “full house” and created a loving home for their six children and 29 foster children over the years. Terry and Bill were selfless and devoted to caring for others; they had a beautiful bond and were able to help others in need. In 1979, they were chosen to receive the Diamond Jubilee Award from the Arch Dioceses of Boston, in recognition of their care of children.

Terry’s whole life was centered around caring for others, especially the babies. She was affectionately known as “the baby lady” around town. Terry was happiest when she was holding a baby and could often be seen pushing the pram down the street; she was in her glory. Terry was honored to receive the “Woman of the Year” award presented by the Reading Business & Professional Women’s Club during the “Year of the Child.”

When the babies grew up and went on their way, Terry went to work at T.J. Maxx in Wilmington. Terry had a fun personality and made many friends with her co-workers and customers. After twenty years, Terry retired from her position.

In recent years, Terry and her son, Tommy, moved to Kingwood, TX with her daughter Patti and son-in-law, Joe. Terry was happy to spend time with her family in the nice weather.

Terry will be remembered as a “true angel on earth”, she embodied a life of love and nurture, which is proof that angels walk among us. She will be remembered for her kindness and gentle love of her family.

Terry was the beloved wife of the late William J. “Bill” Hanlon, devoted mother of Pat Hanlon-Pena & her husband Joe of Kingwood, TX, Kathy McNamara & her husband Tom of Westford, Billy Hanlon & his wife Janice of Billerica, Lori Zambernardi & her husband Bill of Ipswich, Tommy Hanlon of Kingwood, TX, Annie Hanlon of Lowell, and 29 foster children, loving “Nana” of Catherine, Corey & Dana, Jonathan, Brett & Erika, Emily & Danny, William, Andrew, Ava, Rihanna, Joel & Sylvia, and Candace & Steven, Great-grandmother of Delaney, Shea, Avery, Stephanie, and Avery. Terry is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, November 19th at 9:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, November 18th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in Terry’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.