Theresa Cawley (O'Grady) Service Information

Theresa Cawley of Newtown died peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2024.  She was 88.

Born in County Mayo, Ireland she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Bridget Towey O’Grady and the sister of the late Sean and Patrick O’Grady, Kathleen Gallagher, and Veronica Higgins.

Theresa Cawley’s life was marked by resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to family. Born and raised on a farm outside Charlestown, County Mayo, Ireland, Theresa demonstrated courage and adaptability early on when she emigrated to Detroit, Michigan as a teenager, sponsored by her sister Anna Mae. Her journey eventually led her to Philadelphia, where she met her husband of 36 years, Michael J. Cawley.

In Philadelphia, Theresa balanced work and family with grace. She worked at the Williamson restaurant alongside her sisters and took an active role in her community. While living on Newtown Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, she faithfully volunteered at St. William Catholic Church and School. Her faith was a central part of her life, and she continued her service as a Eucharistic minister and regular worshipper at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Newtown after moving to the suburbs in 1976.

Theresa and Michael made their home in Newtown Crossing, where they owned three homes over the years. Theresa took great pride in her landscaping and gardening, cultivating a thriving tomato patch and rhubarb for pies. Her flower beds and trees were always meticulously cared for, reflecting her attention to detail and love for nature.

A dedicated caregiver, Theresa’s strength and compassion were evident as she cared for her beloved husband Michael until his passing. Even as her eyesight began to fail, Theresa’s love for reading never waned, and she embraced audiobooks to continue her passion. She enjoyed watching Shark Tank and found joy in giving products from the show as gifts.

Theresa cherished her extended family and took pleasure in attending her grandchildren’s events whenever she could. She enjoyed social outings, including nights at the Irish Rover Inn with Michael, extended family, and friends from the Irish community in Philadelphia. Family vacations to Wildwood and Ocean City as well as bus trips to Atlantic City, NJ created lasting memories for all who shared those times with her.

Theresa’s life was filled with love, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication and care that will continue to inspire and guide her loved ones.

Theresa is survived by her five children Michael J. Cawley III, PhD. and his wife Mary, Brian Cawley and his wife Lisa, Eileen Cawley Paynton, Kevin Cawley and his wife Stephanie, and David Cawley and his wife Melissa.  She is also survived by her sisters Anna Mae Spillane, Frances Boyle, and Winifred Crehan, her brother Brendan O’Grady, her 14 loving Grandchildren, and her one beloved great grandson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Tuesday Evening, July 9, 2024 from 6:00-8:00PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954 and at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road Newtown, PA 18940 on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 10:00AM until her Funeral Mass 11:00AM.  Her interment will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association.

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