Obituary of Theresa J. McMahon

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Theresa J. McMahon, a woman who loved her family, embraced life, and never seemed to age, passed away after a short illness at home with her family at her bedside on Friday morning, January 22, 2021.  She was 88 years old.  Theresa was born in Arlington.  She was one of 5 children, but the only girl born to Italian immigrants, Vincenzo and Michela Ofria.  She grew up in Arlington and was a graduate of Arlington High Class of 1951.  She always kept in touch with childhood friends and was a member of her high school reunion committee for decades.  She met her future husband and fellow Arlington resident, William McMahon, on the beaches of Cape Cod.  They were married in 1955 when Bill was serving in the Army.   Their first 3 years of marriage were spent living in France and they then started a family.  They returned to the United States where they lived in Cambridge for 2 years before buying their forever home in Burlington in 1960.  It was in a new development where most of the neighbors, being of the same age, also had children of the same ages.  So, it was a wonderful place to raise a family and socialize with neighbors who then became friends for life.  After raising her four children she went to work at Filenes at the Burlington Mall.  She worked in almost all the departments and was loved by her coworkers and customers for her outgoing and pleasant personality.  After Filenes and still too young to retire, she went to work at Coldwater Creek clothing store where she worked well into her 80’s.  Even at 80, she could keep up with the younger employees.  For Theresa working was more for the entertainment and social aspect, rather than the money.

Theresa was simply a fun person.   She was engaging, a bit mischievous in an enjoyable way, and loved being with family and friends.  She never turned down an invitation to go out to dinner, a cup of coffee, or any type of gathering.  She was the person who could go to a gathering or party knowing a few guests and leave knowing everyone’s life stories.  She was charming, but not overwhelming.  She loved going to Old Orchard Beach with her children and grandchildren.  When the adults would want to call it a night and the grandkids wanted to go out, Theresa was heading out with the kids and they loved it!  She was a supportive mom to her children and a fun “Nona” to her grandchildren.  Theresa was a huge sports fan.  She was a loyal Boston College Football fan who regularly attended games.  She even flew to Texas to see “The Eagles” and Doug Flutie win the Cotton Bowl.  She was a big Patriots fan as well.  Theresa loved all the excitement watching the Superbowl with her family and friends.  She was also a fan of all her children and grandchildren as they participated in hockey, cheerleading, dance, football, and any other activity or sport they were involved in.  She went as far as Canada to see her sons play hockey.  Even at the age of 88, she was going strong, having fun, and brightening the lives of all her family and friends.  In the years to come, whenever someone fondly remembers Theresa a smile will always ensue as you remember the fun and loving memories shared with her.

Theresa was the beloved wife of the late William J. McMahon. She was the loving mother of Debra Moskaluk & her husband William of Burlington, William McMahon & his wife Anita of Milford, Laura Murphy of Burlington, and John McMahon of Burlington. She was predeceased by her brothers; Charles, Joseph, Carmelo, and James Ofria. She was the proud grandmother of Michela Johnson, Joseph & Robert Moskaluk, Jack & Mallory Murphy, and Brian & Lauren McMahon and great grandmother of Mia, CJ, and Jackson.

 A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Monday, January 25 from 5-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Theresa’s name may be made to People Helping People, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803