Theresa M. Doherty

Theresa M (Tardugno) Doherty of Methuen, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen surrounded by family. She was born April 12, 1937, at Bon Secours Hospital and was the beloved daughter of the late Angelo P. Tardugno and Marguerite (Breton) Tardugno. Theresa was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Following graduation, she began working at Bolta Rubber in Lawrence, MA. Not long after, she met the love of her life, Dale C. Doherty, whom she married and with whom she built not just a home but a family rooted in love, tradition, and togetherness. Theresa was best known for the care she expressed through her cooking and baking. Her homemade grape leaves and raviolis were legendary—---family traditions lovingly passed down from her mother and continued through her children and grandchildren. Whether it was a holiday or an ordinary day, Theresa made every gathering special, finding joy not only in celebration itself but in the preparation leading up to it. Her creativity extended far beyond the kitchen. Theresa took great pride in her home, where she painted, wallpapered, decorated, and sewed with exceptional skill. Her love for sewing led to a 24-year career at SoFro Fabrics, later JoAnn Fabrics, where she nurtured a lifelong passion for her craft. She made everything from curtains and pajamas, wedding gowns, bridesmaid’s dresses, children’s costumes, and her well-known fleece jackets and matching hats—-many of which are still worn and admired today. If something needed mending, Theresa could fix it. Later in life, Theresa discovered a love for quilting, creating countless quilts, table runners, and handcrafted pieces. She treasured the friendships formed through quilting groups at the Methuen Senior Center and maintained close bonds with former coworkers from JoAnn Fabrics long after retirement, sharing trips to Maine, day trips, meals, laughter, and even homemade limoncello. Theresa also found great joy in gardening. She delighted in flowers, vegetables, and the endless search for seeds and bulbs. Spring meant seedlings and trips to Bonanno Farms, while fall brought tomato harvests and years of making homemade paste—---turning simple projects into cherished hobbies. A devoted parishioner, Theresa served as a Eucharist minister and Lector at St. Lucy’s Church for many years. Her faith was a steady presence in her life. Family was always at the center of Theresa’s world. She cherished time spent with cousins and fondly remembered a special group trip to California, where she attended a live taping of The Price is Right, a show she faithfully watched every day. She deeply valued her daily visits and phone calls with her neighbor and dear friend, Annette Autiello, sharing meals, news, companionship, and care. Theresa was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dale C. Doherty; her cherished daughter, Deanna Jean Doherty; her parents; and her sister, Patricia (Pat) Terry. She is survived by her loving children, Michael Doherty and his wife Maureen of Methuen, MA, and Angela (Doherty) Quinlan and her husband William Quinlan Jr of Salem, NH. She was a proud Nana to Christopher, Gary, Adam, Ryan, and Sophia and her seven great-grandchildren. Theresa also leaves behind many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and former colleagues who were blessed to know her. We cannot begin to thank or find the words to express our utmost gratitude for the care she received from her PCP, Dr. T and staff, the RN staff at Holy Family Hospital St. Camila Unit as well as the staff at DFCI in Methuen, MA. From the minute you were greeted at the door, the lab technicians, nurses, nurse’s aides, Dr. Sanz but most of all Katie Mitchell, NP for her support, knowledge and commitment that made my mother feel truly cared for. Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Theresa’s life during calling hours on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Methuen Family Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, Massachusetts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lucy Parish, 254 Merrimack Street, Methuen. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen. In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Boston Children’s Hospital. To share memories, offer words of comfort, or send an online condolence, please visit www.methuenfh.com. Methuen Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Doherty family.

Tributes

Theresa M. Doherty

April 12, 1937 - April 2, 2026