1951
2017
KERNS, Theresa M. "Tess" 66, of Walpole, Wednesday August 9. Born in Framingham, she was a daughter of the late John F. and Josephine (Szczuka). Devoted mother of cherished daughter Emma of Walpole. Sister of John and his wife Martha of Framingham, Edward J. of Alexandria VA, Eleanor and her husband James Martinelli of Sudbury, Margaret of Millis, and the late Anna J. Kerns. Aunt of John, Scott E. and Jennifer O. Kerns, and many grand-nieces and nephews. Cousin of Marcia Mishley and her husband Joseph of Stow and their children Alaina and April, and Jane Kolenda of Maynard. Life-long close friend of Gail Dorsey of Norwood and also leaves many other close friends. Tess worked for many years as a Counselor to those who struggle with addiction and mental illness, and was most recently employed at Riverside Community Care of Norwood and Dedham. Funeral Monday August 14 from the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St. (Rt. 1A), NORWOOD, at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, E. Walpole at 10. Visiting hours Sunday 2 – 6. Interment private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Tess' memory to the American Center for Law and Justice, Insight for Living, In Touch Ministries, or Ravi Zacharias International Ministry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Gillooly Funeral Home.
3 Entries
August 13, 2017
Mary Walsh
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Tess very well , or her wonderful daughter Emma, but for many years our friend Nancy M has spoken so fondly of both Tess and Emma. The wonderful friendships Tess and Emma enjoyed were and are clearly because Tess was such a wonderful and giving human being. A wonderful mom and friend.
May she be that angel we all need to watch over and guide us from afar.
My sincere condolences to all:
Mary L Walsh ( friend of Nancy M)
August 11, 2017
Ellie Nagle
Gail Dorsey introduced me to Tess about 30 years ago. I loved her immediately....that smile, quick wit and sense of fun. She was quietly brilliant, caring, generous of self and kind. She loved theater, the arts and good conversation. She was a champion of the underdog and a great advocate for people who needed her. I admired her loyalty and her persistence and so many other qualities. She positively beamed when she spoke of her beloved Emma. She was one in a million and I will miss her. God bless Tess!! Love, Ellie
August 10, 2017
Chris O'Connell
Tess was my first boss when I came out of college, working at Riverside. She always had my back through tough times and gave me confidence. She was the best boss I could have asked for, being new to the workforce. She will surely be missed by everyone who knew her.
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