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Therese Pender Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Therese Pender
Sponsored by Diana, friends and family.
Barbara Wright
March 13, 2019
Therese was a sweet, kind person with a love of the Beatles that we all shared! Hopefully she is signing with John and George in Heaven!
Joan Starkman
June 8, 2009
Although I did not have the good fortune of knowing Therese personally, after reading about her, I felt as if I did. What a terrible loss. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Christopher Galllaga
November 13, 2005
Therese and I played music in our Church choire. We were well admired for her beautiful rendition of Hail Mary Gentle Woman. From time to time I strum the rhythm of that song on my guitar and can remember what beauty she adde to that piece. Thank you Therese.
Carrie (Cunningham) Parker
April 6, 2005
Therese was one of my dearest childhood friends. We attended elementary school together and met in the fifth grade. During one of our first conversations, she asked me about my interests. When I told her I love the Beatles, she replied, "Who are the Beatles?" I thought she was just kidding, but when I realized she really had no idea, I invited her over to my house to listen to some of my albums. I remember how her face instantly lit up when she heard the music. Her shy and quiet demeanor quickly changed to infectious enthusiasm. The rest, as they say, is history. In the sixth grade we went to our very first rock concert together with her wonderful Mother to see, who else? Paul McCartney in his "Wings Over America" tour. We sat in the worst possible seats, yanking our only set of binoculars out of each others hands and screaming louder than I ever thought we could for the entire show. From that night on, Therese lived, ate and breathed anything and everything having to do with Paul or the Beatles. Little did I know this was not just a passing phase. Since we had lost touch after high school I was hoping to see her at our ten year reunion. What a wonderful surprise to be greeted at the front door with, "Carrie! Guess what?!? I met Paul McCartney in New York City!" I was so happy to see the same sweet bubbly Therese. We had a great time chatting and catching up that evening. That was the last time I saw her. I have such fond memories of our fun and silly times together, her tiny voice, her beautiful soul. She will certainly be missed by everyone whose lives she brightened. I wish to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the Acheson family.
Diana D.
April 5, 2005
Since we're here to celebrate the life of our friend, I'd like to share some stories from our high school days and more.
We met at Oak Park high school as freshman. She introduced me to the Beatles, I introduced her to
Wrigley Field. She was a White Sox fan, but still enjoyed going to Wrigley.
We were both on the school paper. She wrote and I took pictures. We worked on an interview of WXRT deejay Terri Hemmert together. That was probably one of my first published photographs.
Her teacher still remembers that article today.
Therese had enough high school credits to graduate as a junior, but stayed around and joined the
XP program to benefit from what they had to offer.
One
XP teacher wrote in her high school yearbook"
"Dear Therese, I'm so glad I got to know you this year and that you were in my classes. I love your sense of social justice. Keep working to make the world a peaceful place. We need people like you.
In a recent interview, another one of Therese's teachers said that the XP program was meant to help students work out solutions in peaceful ways and see the world with unique perspectives.
“XP was so contrary to violence]"..
----------
We used to have parties at her grandmother's apartment at the Oak Park Arms. Every party we'd
work on getting some ice cream for the event. We were sooo kewl! She loved her grandmother and used to go over there regularly to remove her contact lenses. She mentioned this year that her nightgown belonged to her grandmother. She still had it.
She worked as an Andy Frain usher at Chicago area concerts and at Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park.
The day after Disco demolition night we went to Comiskey to see what was there after that event.
Speaking of Steve Dahl and Gary Meier, Therese and her sister Chris were on their radio show one day. That was some show. I wonder who has that tape recording???
Therese played the viola in high school and participated in the Do it yourself Messiah concert in
Chicago. She also played duets in church with a guitarist friend.
In 1983 we went to the All Star game at Comiskey Park.
We saw Paul McCartney in concert several times together in Chicago, Rosemont, St. Louis.
Therese sat in the second row at the Soldier Field concert and said she knew she made eye contact
with Paul. Woo hoo!
Her sister Jackie was there...she was what? 9 months pregnant? I was scared she was going to have her baby on the 50 yard line.
Therese went to a lot of Beatles related events. At the opening of Paul's Standing Stone concert at the Royal Albert Hall she gave him flowers at the end of the concert. If you watch the video you can see her give him the flowers.
One day she called and told me to call a number to get Oprah tickets where Paul was going to be on the show. I called and got a pair of tickets. Then they called back and said they only wanted New Yorkers on the show and they had mistaken my area code... Oprah giveth and Oprah...well you know.
Therese went anyway and got on the show. How cool was that!
Therese went to a press conference for Paul and Linda's vegetarian frozen dinners.
Her question to the McCartneys was covered by the press.
She loved animals and volunteered at the anti-cruelty society.
The Chicago Tribune ran an article on her years ago regarding her Beatle fan activities.
Therese took classes at Triton and later on went to SIU in Carbondale.
Therese gave me my first Michael W. Smith album. She always gave really good gifts.
She also gave me a BJ and Dirty Dragon t-shirt. I couldn't believe that she remembered that I
liked that show as a kid. What a memory.
I last spoke with her on March 15th.
She was listening to this album that night.
We'll all miss her.
Diana
Friends and family are welcome to email me at:
diana.da7 (at) gmail.com
Cindy Fosco-Gaborek
March 30, 2005
Therese was an old friend of mine.
She was a sweet girl who loved animals & the Beatles. She will be missed by all! She is up in heaven resting peacefully. My sincere condolences to all.
Jeffery Leving
March 24, 2005
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the Acheson family in there time of loss. Therese will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her. Therese was a very kind and thoughtful person and a very dedicated employee.
Gretchen Yanes
March 23, 2005
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not have the pleasure of knowing her, only through Joseph and the memories he had of her. I am keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Patty Gotz
March 23, 2005
Jackie,
Gregg and I send our sincerest condolenses to you and your family. We wanted to come and give you our support at the wake but we could not make it. What at tragic loss. I had no way of getting a hold of you, please look me up and call me when ever you can. Once again we are so very sorry for your loss.
Love,
Patty & Gregg Gotz
Tim Rogus
March 22, 2005
My very deepest sympathy to the Acheson family on their tremendous loss.
Therese was not only my secretary, but I also considered her my friend. I will always remember how hard working and dedicated Therese was to her job and how pleasant she was to all of us who had the great pleasure to work with her. I will further always remember the many little spontaneous moments and laughs Therese, Todd and I had in the office and how those laughs would make an otherwise busy, stressful day a little more easier.
We all miss you, Therese, and I especially do. Look down on us every day and keep smiling and laughing in our hearts as we go about our days. Rest in peace, my co-worker and friend.
Glendall Toney
March 22, 2005
Dear Family and Friends of Therese,
We knew her as a college student at SIU in our Bible Study. A gentle and fragile spirit with love and innocence.
There are times in which we are allowed to see the darkness in the heart of man, and this tragedy exposes a great darkness perpetrated upon one so uneserving.
I have confidence that Therese now shares heaven with The One who also suffered much at the hands of violent men.
Our prayers have been for all of you who have experienced such great loss.
carol ferrell
March 22, 2005
To my knowledge, I never spoke to Therese. I sure wish I had when I had the chance. From what every one is saying, she'd surely have been my friend. However, The fact that she was part of my Macca Family makes her part of my life for all time, and in studying over and over all the pictures of her taken through the years, she now seems very familiar to me. I don't think she's very far away from us, and I'm sure she's chuffed at the outpouring of love for her. My heart goes out to all her friends and family.
sheryl appelbaum
March 22, 2005
I only knew Theresa thru our Paul love list. It is very sad to see one of us departing in such a atrocious manner. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Leslie Young
March 22, 2005
I have fond memories of Therese - us laughing like mad at Beatlefests (specially with Paul's Off the Ground CD dump bin). She was there when I got my first Paul autograph, she was there when we camped on Oxford Street - in fact, she's been at most all of my Paul adventures. The last time I saw Therese was about 4 years ago when she came to London and stayed in my flat. We didn't have a Paul adventure, but we sure had a good time bumming around Liverpool acting goofy. She was such a lively, bubbly person and I hate that we lost contact a few years back. Unfortunately, I now understand why. I only wish her life in heaven is as peaceful as it should of been here on earth - she at least deserves that! LYRRMI!!
Ken Miller
March 21, 2005
I only Therese through the Beatles and us being on the same Beatle trip to England in 1993. I remember seeing her at the 'Fests throughly enjoying herself and being immersed in Paul.
This is a horrible tragedy and I know words cannot express one's sorry in this dark time, but Therese will be long remembered by her many friends in this world of Beatlefans. May God Bless the family.
Jimmy
March 21, 2005
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Acheson family. Therese was smart, funny, and always in a good mood. She brightened all of her co-worker's days with her personality. She will be deeply missed and her memory will always remain with her family, relatvies, friends, and anyone who knew her.
Wayne Halick
March 21, 2005
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Therese was the kindest person I have had the pleasure of meeting. I worked with Therese at The Law Offices Of Jeffery M. Leving. We were friends as well as well as co-workers. Therese was a rare person in that she was more interested in hearing about your day than telling you about hers. She always made a point to say hello and would go above and beyond to help anyone in need. If I told Therese my daughter had a cold, she would make a point of asking me the next day how my daughter was doing. These little acts of kindness defined Therese's character. I am going to miss talking with Therese. She was always upbeat and never had a harsh word for anybody. She brought joy to the hearts of many and she will not be forgotten. The world is simply not the same without her.
Diane Zamudio
March 21, 2005
My deepest sympathy goes to the entire Acheson family. Although she was a small person, she had a big heart and a great presence amongst her co-workers and friends. She will be greatly missed!!! From your friends, Diane Z, Rachael Patton, Gloria Ortega and Michelle Harrell.
Florence Eskin
March 20, 2005
Dear Acheson family,
I met Therese at a Macca-Tea and was impressed by her gentle nature. She had a glowing innocence about her. Her goodness showed through her troubles. She is a light in the darkness.
Please know that she will be remembered in the hearts of many.
We can take comfort in knowing she is at peace and will never have to be wary of her surroundings or those around her again.
She is in the presence of the greatest music of all, now, and in the company of some great musicians.
My love and comfort to you all,
Debbie Lawson
March 20, 2005
My sincere sympathy in the loss of a dear friend. She was so kind, with a gentle spirit and beautiful smile. A grace surrounded her very being, and it's that's gentle spirit I'll remember most. When my husband and I were in Chicago for the first time, it was dear Therese who befriended me. I didn't know a soul there, and a bit nervous. She was right there, showing us "the ropes" at Beatlefest. We had a wonderful time, meeting her was a breath of fresh air! She saw me sitting alone on a walkway, my hubby had left for the men's room, she stopped and stayed with me, chatting away about Paul! She'll be missed so very much. In listening to "My Old Friend", Paul McCartney singing with Carl Perkins, tears flowed as the lyrics rang out- "..and if we never meet again this side of life,, in a little while, over yonder, where it's peace and quiet..my old friend, won't you think about me every now and then.."
Yes, Therese, I'll be thinking of you often,- until we meet again on the other side. love and light,
~peace~
Sandy Nielsen
March 20, 2005
Family and Friends of Therese, My prayer is that your hurt will heal and that you can find hope in the death of Therese, the hope that she had in her Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones.
Therese was precious to the God of the universe in life and in death; as she was precious to those of us fortunate enough to know her for the short time she journeyed with us. Eric and I knew her for a short time when she was in Carbondale. I am sad for this horrible loss and untimely death but I too hope to see her again and I know that she is healed from the hurt and pain she felt here as she enjoys heavenly reward for her faith.
Linda Robbins
March 20, 2005
I never knew Therese, but all Beatles and Paul fans are one big family. The pictures on the tribute page include many of the same things I have. I love having my picture taken with Paul, too!
My deepest sympathies to the family. Therese is with God now. Rest in Peace, dearest Therese.
Sharon Beasley
March 20, 2005
My life is richer having known Therese. We met online through MACCA-L many years back. It was our mutual love of Paul (and George) that connected our hearts and spirits. She tried to get me to go to Beatlefest and I could not due to personal reasons. We started corresponding about life and shared much. I tried to encourage her as she did me, through our friendship. We both became busy with life. How I wish I could have helped you in some way.
Therese's life, love and spirit touched mine as well as countless others. Therese will live on forever in our hearts.
Thank you, my friend, for your wonderful gift of friendship. You may be gone in body but never in spirit. How thankful I am for "knowing" you.
Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.
~ ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Until we chat again, much love and light always.
Pat Deese
March 20, 2005
Its so sad to here of Therese, she
was such a sweet and gentle person.
I first met her 1995 in Chicago at
a Paul McCartney event and met her
other places over the next few years.
She will be sadly missed by Many
-Pat-
Cindy Brumback
March 20, 2005
I send my condolences to Therese's family and friends. Although I did not know Therese personally I still feel the pain of her passing. She loved Paul and The Beatles like all of us.
May God Bless,
Cindy Brumback
Karen Bridgeman
March 20, 2005
Therese was such a sweet and gentle soul, who touched my life with her kindness. I first met Therese in Atlanta at the FabFour Fest many years ago. She encouraged me to come to Chicago for the Fest. So I did, and each year I so looked forward to seeing Therese to share, to laugh, to catch up on our lives. I am thankful to have known Therese, if only too briefly. The evening skies are brighter as Therese shines down on us all.
Erica Sales
March 20, 2005
My deepest condolences to Therese's friends and family.
John Walsh
March 20, 2005
I knew Therese as a secretary. I worked with her for two years. She was cheerful, funny and very bright.
Her death was a stunning and tragic loss for all who knew her. I know she is in a better place now, but she will be sincerely missed.
Barbara Wright
March 19, 2005
Dear Therese,
I hope you are smiling down on us from heaven. No one deserves the pain that you endured. You are at peace now even if it shouldn't have been your time yet. You are paving the way for your loved ones and for your fellow Paul penpals. Say hi to Linda, John and George for us. Know that we love you and you will be missed. Much love and peace to your family, too. Our tears and prayers are drifting up to you, oh gentle one. Goodnight. Love, Barb Wright
Pam McCurry
March 19, 2005
My Friend Therese
Chasing Linda and Paul through Linda’s
food PR blitz,
Eight of us fans shared a room at the
Ritz.
It was the first time I met her,
we became fast friends.
Therese was gung ho when it came to her place
in Paul’s world.
She got tickets to Oprah when nobody could.
How did she do that? She really was good!
She was a bright spot at Beatlefest-
it was an especially fun time.
All of us “Paul girls” spending our
very last dime.
We shared our Paul stories and laughed
till we cried
Our bond through Paul not to be denied.
Therese will be missed but it’s a comfort to me
knowing she is in heaven with John, George and Linda
at peace and free.
Sharon Ciciriello
March 19, 2005
May peace love and light be with you finally, Therese.From a fellow Macca fan.
"We live in hope of deliverance from the darkness that surrounds us"
JPM
Christine Burns
March 19, 2005
You will always be our friend, dear Therese. Our bond through the list and souling always holds us together. How do you measure a life? Though not a McCartney song the musical "Rent" recommends we measure not in time but in love. We do love you. To your family and friends...I'm here and praying with you and for you. "Take me to that place...where I can find my brave face..." (PMcC.) xxx Chris
Cathy Carpenter
March 19, 2005
Theres was one of the first Paul friends I made online. We had many chatroom talks that turned into personal ims and phone calls and a couple years later she flew into Atlanta to visit relatives and stayed with us. She was a good, caring friend,a youth Sunday School teacher and a HUGE fan of Pauls! She brought along photos from several trips she`d taken to London, one proudly showing her meeting Paul. Her last trip there, she really couldn`t afford, as her car went unrepaired and she had to then take a bus to work, yet she brought me back a Rupert Bear for my new grandaughter and an Abbey Road keyring.
We sat up all night the last night she was here, talking about everything, including her first marriage she was in process of ending.We talked all the heavy stuff out of the way by 3 am ,then raided the Fridg. and talked Paul and Paul friends another hour, before falling asleep.
Therese left our Paul List after her divorce when she no longer had a computer. She imed me,occassionaly when she had online access, but none of us had heard from her the last 3 yrs. Didn`t know she`d remarried and how I wish she hadn`t.
God Bless You, Therese. You`re in Good Company now. We Miss you!
Cathy & Dean Carpenter
Cheryl Mortensen
March 19, 2005
My most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Therese's family and friends at this sad time.
Libby Armstrong
March 19, 2005
My most sincere condolences to those who loved Therese, family and friends alike. I know that wherever she is, there is a Paul song playing and I hope she is smiling now.
Colin & Gail
March 19, 2005
Rest In Peace Therese. God Bless.
Minna Laine
March 19, 2005
Although I only knew Therese through Paul McCartney fan list I was a member of, I am very sad and deeply touched by her death. Therese and her family and friends are in my prayers and thoughts.
Debbi Handley
March 19, 2005
I'm so sorry for your terrible loss. Although the times were few, I'll treasure our Macca-moments together.
Debbi Handley
Therese, 1999
Lynn Harvey
March 19, 2005
Most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Therese's family on behalf of myself, Cathy Munro, and MACCA-L, The Paul McCartney List members. May Therese be enfolded in the embrace of heavenly bliss.
Martha Rubenstein
March 19, 2005
I am so so sorry. I knew Therese as a fellow Beatle fan. When I went to my first Beatlefest in Chicago, I didn’t really know anyone. I had met Therese once. I remember feeling lost in a sea of 10,000 people at lunchtime the first day, and she saw me hovering. She rescued me and we sat in the lobby, ate slices of veggie pizza, people-watched and talked. It was so sweet and kind of her to befriend me, when she had been coming there for years and knew everyone.
In 1997, I went to England to see the premiere of Paul McCartney’s Standing Stone, and Therese was there too. When the symphony ended and he ran onstage to take a bow, I watched her reach under her seat, jump up and hand him a bouquet of flowers. She was the only one in the packed-to-the rafters Royal Albert Hall to do that. It struck me again what a thoughtful person she was. I still have a photo on my website of Paul onstage, triumphantly waving the waving the flowers Therese gave him.
I will miss her at our Paul and Beatle gatherings, but I will think of her every time I hear him sing.
Rachel Case
March 19, 2005
I knew Therese through the Paul list I was on. I was so sorry to hear what happened to her. I hope she's in a better place now and will have no more fear or pain. May God bless her.
Jorie Gracen
March 19, 2005
In fond memory of Therese
I remember when Therese and I traveled to London to see Paul McCartney at Abbey Road Studios in May of 1997. Paul was recording his second classical piece called "Standing Stone. When Paul arrived he got out of his car and was walking away from us to go into the studio. Therese ran frantically after him. She had something to give him. Paul didn't look like he was going to stop. Therese wasn't going to let him get away. "These are from the children!" she screamed. Paul looked at her confused. "I teach bible school," she said. Paul stopped. "The children wrote YOU these letters!" she said waving the package at him. Paul still didn't know what to do. "Fourth graders! They wrote these FOR YOU!" Therese said, with her frustration showing. Paul took the package and thanked her walking away with a bemused look on his face.
One thing about Therese... she was for the most part soft spoken and shy, but when it came to Paul McCartney she pulled out all the stops and nothing got in her way. I was amazed when she turned up with press passes at McCartney press conferences with no real press affiliation. She secured a press pass for the booksellers convention in Chicago back in 1995. That pass helped her to get into a private party for booksellers when Linda McCartney was in town promoting her new cookbook. I had a bookseller's press pass and was let into the party by mistake. Knowing she had one I told her to tag along. At first she was reluctant because she thought she'd get thrown out. I told her to just follow me. She did and we found ourselves in front of Paul and Linda. She was on top of the moon and amazed that I could just walk up to Paul and Linda and have a 'normal' conversation with them. I told her they were just people. She boldly asked Paul and Linda about vegetarianism, which was one of her passions. They responded and Therese left the party floating on air having 'connected' with her two favorite people.
When she talked about Paul she glowed. Whatever problems she had in life were forgotten when Paul's name was mentioned.
Now in death she is with one of her favorite people, Linda McCartney. I'm sure they are talking about their favorite veggie recipes and how to save the animals.
Therese is in good company and will be missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to know her.
Her spirit will live on in our hearts and in our dreams.
Until we meet again dear friend...
Jimmy Rucker
March 19, 2005
I'm sooooo sorry Therese... I wish I could have been there to help you!!!
Jimmy
Claudio DellaTorre Dirani
March 19, 2005
When you went away, a garden was built in the empty place.
The flowers that will grow won't fill the space
But they will rise to remind everyone that you were here in this planet and all things and creatures were enlighted by your presence.
So don't look back in anger because it's not a feeling that dwells your heart.
"She sprinkles flowers in the dirt that's when a thrill becomes a hurt"
(That Day Is Done -McCartney/McManus)
Marilyn Blake
March 19, 2005
I met Therese several years ago at the Liverpool premiere of Paul McCartney's Standing Stone. She was sitting a
few seats in front of me at the Philharmonic. I don't remember how we
started talking, but somehow we made that well known macca-connection and enjoyed
swapping Paul stories and getting to know each other as we waited for the concert to begin.
Therese was so friendly and easy to talk to, I felt like I had known her for years!
I will remember her for her gentle nature, her friendly spirit, and her
great love of all things Paul.
May she now rest in the peace that eluded her in her short life.
She is free now, but set free far too soon.
I offer my Deepest Condolences to her family and friends.
Jane P Rucker
March 19, 2005
Therese was on our paul-list for many years until recently. There are a lot of us who loved her.
I've made a tribute page to Therese and added messages from her friends. Therese will be missed by all her Paul and Beatle friends.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Here is the website address.
http://www.internetgreetings.com/in-memory-of-therese.html
Joyce Slavik
March 19, 2005
Therese was a very kind soul. I knew her through our mutual love of The Beatles and Paul McCartney. She will be missed.
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