Theresa Anne Birdzell

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Theresa Anne Birdzell, passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. She is survived by her son, Douglas; daughters, Dorothy and Madelyn; grandson, Anthony; and sister, Frances Banville. She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-seven years, F. Douglas Birdzell, on January 3, 2017. In addition to being a devoted spouse and mother, one of her many gifts was an enthusiastic curiosity about life, and the world we live in. She loved to travel, and experience different cultures, while at the same time, greatly enjoyed regular trips to her childhood home in Lowell, Massachusetts, where she embraced the chance to spend time with her siblings and their families, whom she remained close to throughout her life. An avid reader, she passed on a love of the written word to her children, and taught them the importance of volunteering in an effort to generate an enthusiasm in learning in others, as well as helping those in need. She valued the opportunity to give tours at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, and donate her time to various programs as a Friend of the Kennedy Center, as well as being actively involved in the charitable efforts of the Catholic Church. She also enjoyed a fulfilling career at the Central Intelligence Agency. Visitation will be at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, in Arlington, VA on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 3:00-7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Ann’s Church, 5300 North 10th Street in Arlington on Friday, May 4 at 11:00 am. The burial will take place at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Boulevard in Arlington. Following the burial, there will be a reception at St. Ann Parish Hall located in the same building that the service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, at www.alz.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.murphyfuneralhomes.com.