Theresa Ann Voelkel

Theresa Ann (McNamara) Voelkel, 76, of Marshfield, Massachusetts, formerly of Hanover, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026. She was the beloved wife of Mark Voelkel, with whom she shared 56 years of love, friendship, and devotion.

Born on June 19, 1950, Theresa was the daughter of the late John and Bridget (Tierney) McNamara, both natives of County Clare, Ireland. She spent her early childhood in Watertown before her family settled in Dorchester, where she grew up in St. Brendan's Parish. Although an only child, Theresa was blessed with an especially close relationship with her beloved cousins, James Kennedy, Paul Kennedy, Norah Kennedy Curtin, and John Kennedy, who were more like siblings to her. She also cherished the many members of her extended Irish family, whose love, traditions, and lifelong connections remained an important part of her life.

Theresa attended Jeanne d'Arc Academy in Milton, where she was an accomplished basketball player and team captain. She went on to graduate from Boston College in 1972 and pursued a career in education, teaching at St. Benedict's School in Somerville, St. Brendan's School in Dorchester, and later in the Hanover Public Schools. Throughout her career, she brought warmth, dedication, and a genuine love of children to her work.

Theresa met the love of her life, Mark Voelkel, and after five years of dating, they were married on July 27, 1975, at St. Brendan's Church in Dorchester. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2025 with a renewal of their marriage vows at St.Theresa’s Chapel in Marshfield.

Together, Theresa and Mark raised two sons, John and Brian, who were the center of her world. Her family grew to include two daughters-in-law and six grandchildren, each of whom brought her tremendous happiness. She delighted in being their Nana and treasured the time she spent with her family.

She also shared a special lifelong bond with Paul Barry, whom she taught in 4th Grade at St. Benedicts and was like a second Mother to him.

Proud of her Irish heritage, Theresa maintained a deep affection for Ireland and the traditions passed down by her parents. She loved Irish music and dancing and was known to share an Irish jig with her grandchildren. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, particularly her devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a devotion she shared with her mother and passed along to her children.

Above all, Theresa was someone who found joy in caring for others. Whether through her work as a teacher, her friendships, or the countless small gestures she made for her family, she was always looking for ways to help. One of her familiar questions was, "What else can I do for you?" It was a simple expression of the generosity and love that defined her life.

Theresa is survived by her devoted husband, Mark; her sons, John Voelkel and his wife, Kerri, and Brian Voelkel and his wife, Becky; and her six cherished grandchildren, Cameron, Benjamin, Bridget, Tierney, Matthew, and Eila.

She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Ursula and Richard Ceurvels, Christine and Richard Kenney, Ellen and Bruce Crosier, Marie Voelkel, and Jean and the late John Zaleski, all of whom considered Terry a sister. She is also fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Visiting hours will be held at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington St. (Route 53), Hanover, Massachusetts on Sunday, November 8, from 3PM to 6PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels Parish (formerly St. Mary’s), 392 Hanover St., Massachusetts, on Monday, November 9th at 10AM.

Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, where Theresa will be laid to rest alongside her beloved parents, John and Bridget McNamara.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/manh .

Theresa's life was defined not by grand gestures, but by the extraordinary love she brought to ordinary moments. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her.