CHICOPEE – Theresa May (Richard) Frederick, 84, of Chicopee, passed away on July 22, 2026 after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on April 13, 1942, to Julia (Wnek) and David E. Richard and grew up surrounded by the lively, loving chaos of her sisters, Frances Racine (deceased), Joan “Dorothy” Sicard of Holyoke, and Elaine Parks of Amherst.
Theresa shared nearly 40 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Rene A. Frederick. Together they built a life full of loyalty and laughter. They shared a love for redecorating their home and outdoor gardening, and over the years enjoyed memorable vacations in Florida, Maine, and Cape Cod. Her children, Kenneth Hoyle and Pamela Powers, are profoundly grateful for Rene’s unwavering care, patience, and love throughout her illness and across all their years together.
Theresa married into a large, close knit family and was warmly welcomed by all of Rene’s brothers and sisters. She cherished time spent with Kenneth and Donna Frederick of Springfield and Freddie and Noreen Frederick of Chicopee, enjoying countless outings, meals, and shared laughter. She also held dear her relationships with Rene’s sisters Doris and Lorette, and his brothers Eugene, Norman, Robert, and Roger, all of whom embraced her as one of their own.
She worked at U.S. Tsubaki for an astonishing 52 years, mastering the art of piecework in the process of making roller chain. She took genuine pride in the precision, rhythm, and skill it required, and it was the kind of work that suited her perfectly.
A master gardener, baker, crafter, shopper, and QVC enthusiast, she lived life with enthusiasm and a box full of coupons. She was a day after Thanksgiving shopping expert, the kind of woman who could navigate a sale rack like a marathon runner — swift, strategic, and unstoppable. If there was a bargain within a 20 mile radius, she had it on her radar. She adored her pets throughout her life, especially her beloved Amber, who was her constant companion and source of comfort. She loved her cookbook collection, stationary bike, talking on the telephone, and desserts. She hardly ever finished her meal but always had room for ice cream.
She was also an expert cake decorator and cookie maker, famous for her creamy cooked frosting and her marathon baking sessions. Every holiday season, she produced thousands of cookies in dozens of varieties, assembling abundant cookie trays for family, friends, neighbors, coworkers. Her Christmas card and birthday card list were equally legendary. Over the years she honed a carefully curated roster of loved ones, near and far, and she remembered special days the old fashioned way, with telephone calls and postage stamps.
Above all, she was the steady rock to her children, offering free advice — whether you asked for it or not — always delivered with strong opinions, sharp observations, and the occasional reminder of your flaws, just to keep you humble. But beneath all that commentary was an unquestionable loyalty; she might critique you, but she’d also defend you like a lion.Ken and Pam often lovingly debated who was her favorite, a lifetime competition she encouraged with a twinkle in her eye stating, “I’ll never tell.” She took that secret with her, and the tie, at least according to Pam, remains officially unbroken.
She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and great grand-children, all of whom adored her and benefited from her generosity, humor, and cookie tray diplomacy: Kelly Sahd and husband Paul of Granby with their children Rhea, Samuel, Olivia, Lucas and Evelyn; Jamie Lashway and husband Shane of Belchertownwith their children Penelope and Belle; Jacob Hoyle of Granby; Siobhan Powers of Northampton; Eamonn Powers of Easthampton; and Kavan Powers of Boston. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and their families.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Beacon Hospice and Amedisys Home Health of Agawam for their expert care, compassion, and support over the past two years. Their kindness made an immeasurable difference during this difficult period.
Her Funeral will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 beginning at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.), followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:30 a.m. Her Burial will follow the Celebration of Life Service at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The funeral home parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests doing something she would have loved: plant a flower, bake something sweet, or treat yourself to a little shopping (coupons optional). Her family requests that memorial donations be made in her memory to Beacon Hospice, 815 Worcester Street, Springfield, MA 01151.
For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
