Theresa Doreen (Moser) O’Grady of R.R.3, Listowel, passed away surrounded by her family at Stratford Hospital after a brief illness, on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the age of 84.
Cherished wife of the late Charles O’Grady (2002). Beloved mother of Maureen O’Grady of Waterloo, Shelley O’Grady of Brampton, Charlene O’Grady & Jeff Appel of Waterloo, and Kathy-Jo O’Grady & Craig Lawrence of Listowel. Sister of Art & Cecilia Moser of Hesson, and Lenore Moser of Listowel, and sister-in-law of Irene & Charlie Zettel of Elmira.
Predeceased by her parents Albert and Celena (O’Grady) Moser, and by her siblings Verna Linseman (Gerald), Eileen Kittel (Jack), Lorayne Sheehan (Jack), Earl Moser, Milly Threndyle (Wally), Harold Moser, Gerald Moser (Irene), Celena Kocher (Alban), and Carl and Marlene in infancy.
Doreen was born in Hesson, where she attended St. Mary’s school and church. A graduate of Listowel District High School, Doreen embarked on a career in education while still in her teens. She trained at Stratford Teachers’ College, and taught in Macton, Linwood, St. Clements, and Kitchener. She returned to St. Mary’s Separate School in Hesson for the remainder of her career and taught grades 3 and 4: she loved to nurture this age group’s curiosity and witness their joy of learning.
At church, Doreen met her future husband Charles, and the couple married in 1964. Doreen and Charles raised their four girls on the family dairy farm in Tralee. Their home was filled with love and laughter. Doreen was busy: cooking and baking, co-managing and working on the farm, driving the girls to activities, and preparing lessons for her students. She loved a long phone chat with a sister or a friend, and she always made time to do a little something special for those who needed a boost.
Doreen was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Hesson, and later of St. Joseph’s Church, Listowel. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League, and contributed as a Reader and Commentator, Choir Member, and Extraordinary Minister of Communion at Mass and in the community for those unable to attend. Doreen was Secretary of her local Retired Women Teachers of Ontario (RWTO) group for many years. Always sensitive to students in need, she helped raise funds and delighted in preparing backpack donations every September.
Doreen was a lover of The Arts. She attended dances with Charles, supported her daughters’ participation in choir, dance, and music lessons, sang with the North Perth Ladies’ Choir, and attended concerts and plays everywhere from St. Jacobs to New York City. Most recently she participated in the Knollcrest Bell Choir concert in June, performing to a packed house.
In later years, Doreen remained inquisitive, seeking new learning and regularly testing others in their trivia knowledge. She loved a good game of Euchre and was a loyal Jeopardy and vintage quiz show viewer. Doreen became an avid Blue Jays fan, enjoying the strategy of the game and the antics of the players.
Doreen modelled the values of hard work, compassion, and faith. She was loving, resilient, and funny. Hers was a life well-lived.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with prayers at 1:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Listowel, on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. Interment in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hesson, after the reception.
The family would like to thank the staff at Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton, for their thoughtful, skillful care of Doreen, and for providing her a comfortable home and a rich life over the past two years.
Memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Listowel, Knollcrest Lodge Enrichment Programming, or Covenant House Toronto would be appreciated.
Online condolences at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
