Obituary of Theresa Moore

Peacefully, and surrounded by the love of her family, Theresa C. Moore (McGarrigle) of Sussex, N.B. passed away on October 13, 2024.

Theresa was born in Waterford, N.B. on August 6, 1935 to the late Wilfred and Cecilia (McManus) McGarrigle. 

She is survived by her daughters: Maryann, Dianne and her husband John, Maureen and her partner Mike, and Heather and her husband Marc. Two grandsons: Andrew Wallace and his wife Amanda; and Jason Wallace and his wife Abria. Two great grandchildren Maylee and Chesley. Brothers Donald McGarrigle and Eldon McGarrigle. Sisters-in-law Jackie McGarrigle and Carol Randall, as well as several nieces and nephews.  

Theresa was predeceased by her husband Donald E. Moore in 2020, her infant daughter, Wanda Elizabeth, her brothers Cecil McGarrigle, Gerald McGarrigle, Marven McGarrigle, her sisters-in-law, Carol McGarrigle and Cel McGarrigle.

Theresa was a retired registered nurse who graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1956.

Her nursing career started at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Saint John. She then returned to Sussex where she worked as a nurse for Dr. Connolly for many years. She also spent 5 years nursing at the Kings County Memorial Hospital. Mom retired as Director of Nursing from the Kiwanis Nursing Home in 1991 after 13 years of service.

Mom met the love of her life, Donnie ‘Ducky’ Moore, upon returning to Sussex after nursing in Saint John. They married in 1958 and created a loving home for their 4 daughters on top of O’Connell Avenue. They remained there for 60 years. Love, care, kindness and compassion flowed through Theresa’s veins. She was affectionately known as ‘Mother Theresa’ by many. She was always very giving of herself and her time whether is was volunteering, cooking for people or just showing up for any situation that required help. Mom was tough as nails, which was evident over the past few years as she battled her many health issues. Her deep faith, stubbornness and love of her family was all the fuel she needed to keep pushing past her limits. She truly was a remarkable woman. Mom was a devout Catholic and a lifetime member of St. Francis Xavier Church. She was a member of the Catholic Womens League and the Sussex Cancer Support Group.  Theresa had a passion for cooking, sewing, knitting, Christmas and the Toronto Raptors. When her kids were younger, there was never anyone able to sit too close to Theresa at any high school sporting event (with the exception of her dear friend, Jackie), because she was lovingly dubbed the LOUDEST FAN of all time.  Basketball was her passion sport and she could talk the game with anyone.

Theresa will be missed dearly by all those who knew her. She will be in the hearts of her daughters and grandchildren forever.  We are comforted that she is back with dad now, and we are sure that was a beautiful reunion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex (506-433-1176) from where visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in celebration of Theresa’s life from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 11am. 

A private family burial will be held in Wards Creek Cemetery, at a later date.  

If you are considering making a memorial donation, the family has recommended the MS Society of Canada, The Kidney Foundation, St. Francis Xavier Church, or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff of Kiwanis Nursing Home and her many caregivers over the years for all of their kindness, care and compassion. It will never be forgotten