Theresa M. Dunn

Theresa Marie Dunn (née Buckley) was known by many names throughout her life; Theresa, Terry, Tess, Miss Dunn, Mother and Mommom, to name a few. Daughter of Alice (née Higgins) and Frank Buckley, Theresa was the fifth of nine siblings. Born in Penndel, Pennsylvania, in 1926, Theresa was regarded as a tomboy in her youth and a good athlete. Theresa was a 1944 graduate of Langhorne High School.

She met her future husband, Joseph M Dunn, at a dance just after World War II. They were married on September 20, 1947 and they lived in Bristol Borough until their home was built in Levittown. She became an original owner and resident of Levittown for over 61 years.

After marrying in 1947, Theresa and Joseph welcomed their first child, Patricia, a little over a year later. Patricia was soon followed by Michael, Theresa (first baby born in Levittown), Matthew, Martin, Timothy, Thomas and Theodore. Residing in Levittown, the Dunn household was full and busy, much the same as Theresa’s whole life. She ensured education and religious instruction for all of her children. Grounded by her Irish roots and led by her Catholic faith. Theresa was heavily involved in activities supporting the Immaculate Conception Parish. 

Theresa was the mother of eight, grandmother of 25 and great-grandmother to 34 and counting, Theresa lived her life surrounded by family. Theresa is described by those who knew her best as fiercely independent, clear-headed and a woman of deep faith. Theresa was honest and straightforward, a hardworking woman of moral fiber and had a quick wit even at 93 years of age.

Of all the things she loved, family was the treasure of her life. She looked forward to Friday night pizza, Sunday family dinners, and ice cream for dessert. She loved watching all of her children and grandchildren participating in sports, recitals, graduations, weddings and the new births. Theresa was also a loyal Eagles and Phillies fan.

Over the years, Mrs. Dunn held many jobs to provide for her large family. She was employed at Nabisco, Flannery’s Restaurant and various other employers. She retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare after almost twenty years.

Her last years were peaceful, living in Canyon Lake, Texas, watching deer wander through the backyard and looking at the boats paddling by on the water. Theresa liked to comment on the bright sparks the sun would throw off the waves in the lake. She called them her ‘diamond sparkles’. She never lost her mental acuity and almost invariably won the nightly card games she played with her family, even while holding one of her great-grandchildren in her lap.

Preceded into the next life by her mother and father; her sisters Clara, Alice, Margaret, Doris, Catherine and Genevieve; her brother Frank; her husband Joseph; her children Theresa and Thomas; and her grandson Kevin; there is no doubt that Theresa was greeted by a crowd of loving family when she passed. She is survived by her brother Daniel, her six remaining children; Patricia Crum (Robert Clayton), Joseph Michael (Pamela), Matthew, Martin (Mary), Timothy (Dianne), Theodore (Lori) and daughter-in-law Tammi Dunn. Grandchildren Vanessa, Tascha, Aubrey, Kimberly, Amber, Shannon, Tina, Matthew, Chelsea, Patrick, Laura, Heather, April, Alex, Michael, Kevin, Alycia, Daniel, Julia, Megan, Malea, TJ, Connor, Laurel and Brielle. In addition, there are dozens of great-grandchildren, as well as devoted in-laws and nieces and nephews.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller

Family and friends are invited to call from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan 11th, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 325 S. Oxford Valley Road, Fairless Hills where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m.  Rite of Committal will follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.