Theresa Dorff

Theresa Rita Dorff, age 87, passed away on August 20, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Theresa started her life’s journey on September 22, 1932 where she was born to Bridget and Anthony Gallagher in Drexel Hill, PA.  She was married to her late husband, Thomas Edmond Dorff, devoted mother of the late Theresa, Thomas (Gina), the late Tina, and Diane (Karlo).  Cherished grandmother of Adria, Nicholas, Deirdra, Eric, Katelin and Brandon.  Dear sister of Margaret, the late Anthony, James, Catherine, Mary, Nancy and Dennis.

Theresa’s childhood and formative years were lived on Edmonds Ave in Drexel Hill, PA.  She was raised in a loving family home where hard work and simple pleasures were the norm.  Theresa graduated from Notre Dame Catholic Girls High School in 1950 and worked in the local Delaware County area until 1954 when she was married to Thomas and started her new family life.

Theresa was a dedicated and sacrificing mother and raised her 4 children in the local area.  The majority of her working career was spent at Connor-Williams Nursing Home where she was the supervisor of Housekeeping.  While not a direct care giver for the patients, Theresa provided comfort and joy to many of the residents during her time there.  Retiring in 1997, she lived in the Ridley Park area until moving in with her son Tom and his family in 2000.  It was this event that started a 20 year journey through Delaware, Alabama, Missouri, and finally Connecticut as she moved with the family in support of each new opportunity.

Everywhere Theresa went she left a legacy of friends and memories.  With over 14 years in the St. Louis area, she was devoted to a variety of volunteer services and a beloved member of the “Heavenly Dusters” who cleaned the Church every week.  She also became a zealous St. Louis Cardinals fan, where on any given day you would find her watching the game on TV or occasionally sitting in the stands at Busch Stadium with her family.  She relished visiting her children in Florida and California, as well as her siblings and their families in Pennsylvania.  Nothing was as important as family, and she lovingly gave herself to all who were in need.  We will all miss you, Theresa, and the gratitude of having you in our lives is an unpayable debt that we all joyfully carry.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 9:00-10:00 AM Saturday, September 12, 2020 at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA 19008, followed by her Memorial Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.