Born Theresa Fodrowski on November 4, 1927, as 1 of 10 siblings, she learned patience, love, and the importance of family. She often reminisced about her early life and spoke with fondness of the many Polish traditions that her mother taught her which she had passed on to her family throughout the years.
Theresa first became a caregiver when she graduated from nursing school as an RN. Towards the end of her career, she worked as a Hospice nurse whose infectious smile and laugher made all the difference in the final days of her patients. Her caring nature is something that she continued to offer every person she encountered throughout her life. To know her was to love her. She had the innate ability to only see the good in every situation and bring out the best in everyone she spoke to. It is impossible to put into words her pure heart and loving spirit.
Theresa would go on to marry the love of her life, Fred Grant. Together they created a lifetime of memories and raised 6 children, 25 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She raised them with nothing but love and taught them all the true meaning of family. She had a special bond with every child & grandchild, teaching countless lessons along the way. She was there for every milestone, loved them all unconditionally and taught them to be strong, independent, and to always follow their dreams.
Theresa also had a bond with almost everyone she came across, from the Stationary store owner who sold her favorite scratch offs to the bagel place where her picture was posted behind the register for no reason other than her warm and comforting smile.
Her inner strength and eternal optimism are unparalleled. As she would always say … “Life is too short for trivialities,” “This too shall pass” and “Better Days are coming.”
Theresa was predeceased by her husband in 1994 but there wasn’t a day that went by she didn’t think of him. She is survived by her six children and spouses – Patty & Gil, Bill & Joyce, Jim & Liz, Fred & Barbara, Maryann & Rick, and Kathy & Billy. She is also survived by her 25 Grandchildren, their spouses or significant others, 7 Great Grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
It is with great sadness we announce her passing, but a piece of her spirit will remain with everyone who has had the blessing of knowing her.
“A life that touches others goes on forever.”
In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made in Theresa’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
A visitation for Theresa will be held Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 1001 Route 25A, Miller Place, NY 11764. Funeral Mass, Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church, 105 Randall Road, Shoreham, NY 11786. Interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY 11933.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavismillerplace.com for the Grant family.
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