Theresa Ann Bennett

On May 5, 2024, our mother, Theresa Ann (Porcello) Bennett passed away at the tender age of 92.   

She was predeceased by the love of her life Richard “Dick” Bennett who passed on September 3, 2023, at the age of 95 after 70 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her father Joseph Porcello and her mother Catherine (Molina) Porcello, her brothers, and their spouses Caesar(Betty), Anthony(Edna), Joseph, Rudolph(Marie), William(Ann), her sister Emily her spouses(Bud Doucette and Leo Quirk), her brother Edward, sisters Rita and Mary, sister-in-law Carol(Peter), and her granddaughter Heather Bennett.

She is survived by her brother Peter, sister Catherine(Joel Fish), sister-in-law Rose(Joseph) and her 8 children and their spouses Richard(Candy), Linda(David), Edward(Betsey), Karen(Andras), Tom, Carolyn(Erik), Dolores(Steven), and Joe(Susan). Also, 22 grandchildren, Matthew, Mary Elizabeth, Alex, Nathan, Kate, Corinne, Rebecca, Grace, Rachel, Jesse, Renee, Gavin, Jocelyn, Jillian, Greta, Molly, Mason, Jessica, Adam, Christopher, Daniel, Brianna, and 13 great grandchildren Charlotte, Brendan, Amy, Calvin, Finn, Charlie, Maggie, Lulu, Milo, Hazel, Ari, Evelyn, and Wyatt. Coming from a large family she also leaves several dozen nieces and nephews too numerous to name.

Mom was a very busy woman raising her 8 children and caring for the large house along with extensive gardens that she and our dad tended. With mom around, no weed or insect pest or anything that ate her garden was safe. She enjoyed dancing, especially Contra dancing, with dad whenever she could and was an excellent gardener raising fruits, vegetables, and flowers. For several years they also had chickens and goats. Mom canned the fruits of their labors and made many batches of different jams and jellies from whatever was available. Some of these were a little different. Who could forget her cucumber jelly, or zucchini “apple” pies, along with her squash pies which were a favorite among her kids? For several years she raised and sold strawberries from their house, and both she and our dad were instrumental in beginning the Community Gardens at Glen Magna in Danvers in the 1970’s.

Although it may sound strange, mom never drove, and never had a license. She loved walking either with friends or alone and had an eagle eye when it came to finding money or other valuables during her treks. She was an avid yard sale attendee and was the premier bargain hunter of them all. If you needed something, mom would find it for you and usually it would cost next to nothing. She had a keen eye for the value of items others were ready to see hauled away picking up many pieces of furniture to recycle by refinishing them for her own use and for others. Mom used to make and alter clothing for her children, and she would make clothing for the many dolls her daughters and granddaughters had through the years. Although mom was a physically small woman, barely reaching 5 feet, she was a giant when it came to caring for her family. Mom never did play favorites, but we each knew we were her favorite.

We thank the staff of Seasons of Danvers and Care Dimensions for the kind care they gave our mother.

Mom will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers kindly consider  a gift in Theresa Bennett’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association ( use the link below) or mail to: 225 N. Michigan Ave. 17th Fl. Chicago IL 60601 

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