Theresa E. Ray

Theresa was blessed to find true love twice in her life. She shared 35 wonderful years with her first husband, Irvin Meier, and later 32 loving years with her second husband, Edward T. Ray. Both marriages were filled with devotion, travel, laughter, and cherished memories.

Theresa leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever treasure her memory. She is survived by her children: Allison and her husband Bill Berner and Kurt Meier. She is also survived by her stepchildren: Caren and her husband William Arnone; Teresa and her husband Richie Oberinger; Nancy and her husband Steve Bindman; Kevin and his wife Karen Ray; Tracy Ray; Michael and his wife Joy Ray; and Allison (Geni) and her husband Roldy Beachamp.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Desiree Meier-Frost (Tom), Nancy Lee Oberinger, Max Bindman, Mathew Bindman, Allyson Arnone, and Christopher Ray, and a cherished great-grandmother to Natalie Marie Frost.

Theresa was predeceased by two beloved siblings, Anna Marie Bone and Kurt Arnold Knoernschild, who now welcome her with open arms. She is also survived by her brothers William and his wife Kathy, and Henry and his wife Deanie, who will continue to hold her memory close to their hearts.

Theresa lived life with curiosity and joy. She loved traveling across the country in her motor home, alongside Eddie, tending to her outside garden and indoor plants — especially her African violets—and spending time at the camp in Maine with Irv. She delighted in family time, enjoyed many daytime trips all over Long Island with both husbands, and took great pleasure in driving herself wherever she wished. Dinner dates with family and friends were among her favorite ways to connect and share stories.

Theresa’s warmth, independence, and love for her family will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Theresa’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.