Mary Theresa Stimus

Mary Theresa, known as Tese to a loving family of sisters, was preceded in death by sisters Winifred Carroll, Helen Crocker, Anne Leydon, Virginia Leydon and Helen Gerrity. She is survived by sister-in-law Mary Catherine Stimus. Mary Theresa attended Nativity BVM Catholic School and John Adams High School in Ozone Park, NY. She also attended the Wood School of Business in Manhattan and was an accomplished secretary.

Mary Theresa was the loving wife of Robert Randall Stimus, United States Navy veteran who served in World War II. They married in 1954 and she later became the most devoted, selfless mother of two: John Stimus (wife Mirela) and Nancy Cheek (husband David). After her children were raised, she returned to the workforce and worked as an executive secretary for Lefrak City, a 40-acre apartment complex in Queens, NY, until her retirement. She was well known and friends with many in the Tudor Village community, and still maintained contact with her childhood best friend, Marie Parisi.

Mary Theresa moved from Queens to Tampa, FL in 2000, shortly after Randall’s passing, to be closer to her children. She was overjoyed to become the grandmother of three: John Michael Buchs, Jessica Buchs and Robert Stimus.

Mary Theresa was a strong, independent woman who stood up for those in need and took great care of others. She was proud of her Irish heritage and the beautiful red hair she had as a young woman. She was a devoted Catholic, who was very involved in the church. She even attended daily mass with Randall and prayed passionately until her final days. She spent her last few years in the loving care of the healthcare professionals at Elmcroft of Carrollwood, and often referred to them as “Sister,” receiving the same attention from them as she had remembered from the Catholic nuns. She was a kind and simple woman who knew life was a gift from God, even as she lost her sight, hearing and mobility in her final years. She never passed up a good cup of tea and a cookie, no matter what the circumstance or time of day.

At 92 she passed from the natural progression of dementia, peacefully; surrounded by her family.

Mary Theresa was part of a legacy of incredible women, who provided the foundation for a strong family who will continue to support and care for each other in their absence. Godchildren Mary Ann, Tommy, Nora, Tim and Aileen; as well as nieces Eileen, Ginny, Tricia, Theresa, Maura, Ellen, Catherine, Rowie, Theresa, Lori, Jeanine, and Regina; nephews Matty, Danny, Patrick, Tom, Bob, Patrick, John, Michael, David and Tim, with their spouses, children and grandchildren, will keep this legacy of family, love and prayer alive in her honor.

Mary Theresa, Aunt Tese, Aunt Mary, Mrs. Stimus, Grandma and Mom – you will be missed. May you rest in peace until we meet again.

Due to limited arrangements because of COVID-19, flowers are not necessary. If you would like to do something Mary Theresa would cherish, please support the Ursuline Sisters at:

https://www.tildonkursuline.org/

Or mail check to:

Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk

8115 Utopia Parkway

Jamaica, NY 11432

Mary Stimus

Rite of Committal

Thursday, July 16th at 1pm

Saint John’s Cemetery, Middle Village, NY

Section 39 Range B Grave 122