WEBSTER – On June 3, 2025, God called Theresa A. “Terry” Gwozdz to enter his kingdom and join her parents, Peter and Katherine (Krawiec) Gwozdz and siblings, Felix Gwozdz, Agnes Morgan, Victoria McLaughlin, Bertha O’Connell and by her two brothers who died in infancy. Her devotion to God and to the Blessed Mother assures us that she has achieved her ultimate reward.
The youngest of seven children, she was born in Uxbridge on March 3, 1929. Theresa’s mother died when Theresa was just 2; her siblings reared her. She attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and Bartlett High School, in Webster. Despite the maternal absence, Theresa was a determined, focused young woman who worked her way to becoming a respected registered nurse, getting her cap following her studies at Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester. An avid learner, Theresa received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in nursing from Boston College in 1960. Always intrigued by the study of philosophy she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the State College of Boston in 1967. She enhanced her medical career by joining the Air Force Reserves as a captain during the Vietnam Era. She later worked at VA hospitals in the Boston area. Being a nurse was her goal, an achievement of which she was very proud. To her passing day, she would never permit anyone to refer to her nursing career in the past tense…”once a nurse, always a nurse.”
As a child, Theresa was fortunate enough to have many friends, a good number of whom remained dear to her to her last day. The Makaras were her “adopted family.” Her roommate of many years, Terry, was a part of the extended Gwozdz family. Following a leg amputation to which she amazingly graciously adapted, Theresa needed additional assistance. Her nephew Stan helped Theresa for several years as did Pauline who cared for Theresa’s physical needs and catered to her whimsical plans to get out of the house and socialize whether that meant going to the convenience store for an apple (not two, but one) or a bottle of ginger ale (not a six pack, but only one 8 oz. bottle). Andrea became a devoted trusted and caring friend. As Theresa’s needs increased, she moved to The Overlook, a skilled nursing facility. Theresa’s family and Andrea recognizes applauds and extends deep gratitude to Overlooks staff. You became family as well.
Theresa leaves a nephew and a niece, Stan Ciesla and Deb Boucher of Webster. She was predeceased by her nephew Joe Ciesla and her niece Judy McAbee.
She was a communicant of Saint Joseph Basilica and belonged to the Boston College Alumni Association, the Mass Nurses Association, and the Memorial Hospital Nurses Alumni. She also held a life membership in the Reserved Officers Association.
The funeral will be held on Monday, June 9, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial with military honors will follow in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. A visitation period will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 AM in the funeral home prior to the Mass. Donations in her memory may be made to Saint Joseph Garden of Peace Maintenance Fund, 53 Whitcomb Street, Webster, MA 01570.