September 5, 2024
Harris, Theresa M
Theresa M. Harris (Gaughan), age 70, of Westwood, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2024. Theresa was the beloved wife of James (“Jim”) Harris Sr. with whom she shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. She was the heart of our home and family.
Theresa was born and raised in Dorchester before moving to Westwood in 1970, where she met her husband. She started her career at Faxon in the Publisher Services Department, working there for over 18 years. Jim and Theresa settled in Stoughton, where she opened an at home daycare, allowing her to be home with her children. They moved their family to Westwood in 1995, where she worked in the medical field until her retirement. Besides being a mother and a wife, Theresa’s next favorite role was being Auntie T, never missing a school function, birthday party, or baseball game. She had a way of making everyone feel as though they were the most important, loved person in her life. Theresa was the most devoted supporter of the Red Sox (especially David Ortiz) and all Boston sports teams, embodying the spirit of her cherished city. Her kindness, warmth, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Theresa will always be remembered as a selfless person who prioritized her love and care for her family above all else.
Theresa is survived by her loving husband, Jim, and her children James Jr. and his wife Samantha of Blackstone, Amanda Harris of Westwood, and Danielle Harris and her boyfriend, Jimmy Celaya, of Sacramento, CA. She was the loving Nani to her grandson, James III, and “Nani T” to many honorary grandchildren. Theresa was the proud dog mom to her fur babies, Lola and Presley.
Theresa was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Helen (White) Gaughan, her sister Elizabeth Gaughan, and her brothers Michael and Peter Gaughan. She is survived by her siblings Marie Rouissi and her husband Assad of Stoughton, Paul Gaughan and his wife Kathleen of North Attleboro, and Julie Magyar and her husband Patrick of Mansfield. Theresa is survived by her brothers-in-law Roy Harris and his wife Nancy of Brockton and Steve Harris and his partner Rita of Grafton. She is a beloved cousin to many. She loved all of her nieces and nephews, with a special place in her heart for her “boys” Evan and Jake Magyar.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Calling Hours at Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St, Westwood on Saturday September 7th from 2:00PM to 5:00PM. A prayer service will begin at 4:30 PM.
Donations may be made in Theresa’s name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or online at danafarber.jimmyfund.org
Comments(8)
Harris fam,
We are so unbelievably heartbroken that we have to say goodbye to T so soon. I am so lucky to have had her asa bonus mother. Enzo is so blessed to have had his Nani T around.
We love you with all our hearts.
Alli, Lukey, Enzo, simey, ro, and Thom.
Revelation 21:4-5 may God be with you all in these times of sadness
The Dragonfly Story
Once upon a time in a shallow pond lived some happy water bugs. Every now and then one of them would climb the lily stalk then disappear, never to return. The others were concerned the water bugs were leaving because they weren’t happy. The colony watched with disappointment, then promised each other that if any remaining water bugs were inclined to go up the stem, they would return with an explanation of why they left and where they went. Every water bug promised.
One spring day, not long after, a water bug climbed up the stem and landed on the lily pad above the water and fell asleep. She was startled when she awoke to see that her body had transformed and grew four silver wings. The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from her new body. She moved her wings and found herself hovering above the water. She had become a dragonfly. She landed gently on the lily pad and peered through the water to the bottom of the pond where she saw her old friends.
The dragonfly remembered the promise, yet she was unable to penetrate the surface of the water and return. Even if she were able, her friends would no longer recognize her in her new body. She decided to wait until all of her friends became dragonflies. She knew that they would understand then, and their answers would be revealed with their own transformation. She continued to visit the lily pad until she was reunited with each friend that found their way.
We are so very sorry to hear of Theresa’s passing. May your many beautiful memories that you have bring you some comfort during this difficult time. Prayers to you Jim, Jamie,Amanda and Danielle and family.. Dawn and Joe
Jim,
Please accept my deepest personal sympathy and genuine solace on the loss of your Theresa,
May you find comfort in your memories of your wonderful life together.
Wayne Brasco
We will truly miss Theresa. Stay strong and know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family always.
Rest in Peace Cousin,
You are now in Heaven with your mom and dad. Everyone here will miss you. Please say hello to your Mom and Dad for me as well as my mom and Dad.
Jim – so sorry to hear of this loss. Will keep your family in my thoughts.