Theresa never looked for recognition or accolades. She quietly and fiercely went on every day following her heart, which guided her in every move she made. She saw everyone as family, and family always came first. She cherished her siblings, nieces, and nephews. The excitement that she shared when there was a hike, camping trip, graduation, new job, or holiday was electric. She would smile that beautiful smile and tell how this niece did this, and that nephew did that. She was proud and her heart poured out love every time she spoke of her sisters, brother, nieces and nephews.

Rich made her life complete. The joy and happiness that Rich brought to her was a true gift for a person who was constantly giving the gift of herself. Her happiness and joy was infectious and she was always excited to get home to Rich and their dogs. Theresa loved her dogs, making sure to take in dogs that needed special care. She never gave up on her dogs, just like she never gave up on anyone in need.

She was family to me and to all of us at Bay State Community Services. For 27 years we worked side by side. We started working at an agency that had a lot of heart – and that was all Theresa needed. Being the quiet and unassuming person that Theresa was, many people may not realize that she was responsible for supporting a large team and overseeing more than 25 programs for children and families at BSCS.

She guided and supported all these programs with the unwavering commitment to listen to families, identify their strengths, and give them what they need to grow as a family. What that looked like could include Theresa driving her Jeep to pick up toys, toilet paper, or car seats. It may be Theresa making popcorn and cotton candy at family events or getting up in the middle of the night to support a family and staff when there was a crisis. Though she preferred to stay in the background, we all knew she was quietly leading the way, and we willingly followed her wherever she guided us next.

The impact that Theresa had on all her “families” is breathtaking to even think about. The thousands of children and families she helped, the clinicians and staff she nurtured, the friends she made feel special, and the strong, steady, and compassionate leadership at BSCS that made the agency a home for so many.

I will be eternally grateful for her support, love, compassion, gifts, and laughs.

Daurice Cox, Bay State Community Services, Executive Director