Theresa Marie Deir

Theresa was born on June 17, 1923 in Butler, Pennsylvania to John and Libra “Mary” Cirillo. Her younger years were spent growing up in a coal mining town with her older brother and three younger sisters. Theresa loved to share stories of how they walked a mile each way to their one room school house in the rain, shine or snow. She and her sisters would gather coal along the railroad tracks for the stove, pick wild berries in the summer and apples in the fall. It was there that Theresa learned to bake bread and can the vegetables her father grew in his garden. When she was around 11 years old, the family moved to Brooklyn, New York. This was quite a change, coming from the quiet country to the busy city. She and her family spent many summers on Coney Island, enjoying the boardwalk, beach and taking the train around the city. In 1942, Theresa proudly graduated from high school where she was a member of student council and received an award for her perfect attendance. In school, she focused on the vocation of hair dressing and manicuring while also working as a nanny. After graduation, she worked in New York for several years.

While taking a submarine tour, Theresa met her future husband, Frederick Deir, a sailor. It was love at first sight. This led to marriage and their two children, Richard and Judy. The family traveled to Seattle, Washington where Fred was stationed and in charge of the galley at Pier 91. They bought their only home in Magnolia, where Theresa resided for over 60 years. During Fred’s time in the Navy, the family was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii and later returned to Washington. Theresa worked as a meat wrapper in Hawaii, and again in Seattle. In 1966, she lost Fred to cancer. She stayed active in her Catholic church and women's groups for many years and worked as a meat wrapper for the Lake City QFC before her retirement in 1985.

Theresa enjoyed to travel and visited Europe with a dear friend. For her, this was a trip of a lifetime. They traveled to several countries while there and she had the opportunity to meet and visit with many Italian relatives. She also traveled back to Hawaii, as well as cruised to Alaska and Mexico.

Always active, Theresa kept busy in her home; baking her family favorite banana bread, tending flower gardens, crocheting, shopping and having daily phone calls with family and friends. She was very happy to have been blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she enjoyed spending time with over the years. She had a wonderful sense of humor and outgoing personality, easily making new friends where ever she went.

Theresa is survived by her children and their spouses, Richard (Debra) Deir, Judy (Michael) Madden, her sister, Phyllis Houck, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephew and many extended family members. She passed away peacefully on June 24, 2019 at the age of 96, joining her parents, husband, brother, sisters, family and cherished friends. She was dearly loved by her family. Her humor and beautiful smile will be missed by all.

Private Graveside Service, Washelli Cemetery.