Margaret T. Theophile

Margaret “Terry” Theophile, passed away with her loving family by her side, after a brief battle with cancer on Monday, August 25, 2025. 

She was born in Cambridge, MA and was the daughter of Irish immigrants, Michael and Anna McNicholas.  After a tragic accident took her mother’s life, a young Margaret went on to a childhood in Rockville Center, NY to spend many years growing up with her beloved Godmother, Bridget Marie Rogers.

Margaret married Christ Theophile in August of 1960, and soon after, immersed herself in a full life of Greek culture.  After their wedding, they moved into the first floor of her in-law's three family home in Somerville, where she was surrounded and loved dearly by her new Greek family. Margaret mastered the intricate preparation and details of Greek cuisine; soon becoming a better chef and baker than even her mother-in-law! Margaret went on to raise her own family, balancing well the Greek traditions and Catholic faith at the forefront of their daily lives. Sundays were always spent, first with weekly Mass, and then with her loving Greek and extended family members.

Margaret now joins her devoted husband Christ, who passed away this past June, in heaven.

She was the loving mother of Anne-Marie Theophile (Aubrey, TX); James Theophile and his wife, Elizabeth (Bolton, MA); Kristen Manning and her husband, Peter (Bedford, MA); and Christ Theophile, Jr. and his wife, Miranda Hooker (Arlington, MA).

As a Yia-Yia, she was the cherished grandmother of James and Tori Burns (McKinney, TX); Meaghan Burns and Dikpal “DD” Dhamala (Fethiye, Türkiye); PJ, Mary, and Nicholas Manning (Bedford, MA); Emilie and Sarah Theophile (Arlington, MA); and Christos and Diana Theophile (Bolton, MA).  Yia-Yia shared a special bond with each of her beloved grandchildren. She recently became the proud "Grand" Yia -Yia of Maximus Burns of McKinney, TX.


Margaret was also the devoted "Nouna" of her loving godsons, Billy Petras (Medford, MA) and Michael Panagako (Boston, MA). She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Margaret was a long-time resident of Bedford and enjoyed summers at her home on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. Along with her husband Christ, Margaret avoided the harsh New England winters by spending time at Pelican Sound Golf and River Club in Estero, FL.

Margaret was a devout Catholic and considered St. Michael's Church in Bedford as her second home.  Margaret was an active member of her Church family, serving as a Catechist when her children were young, a volunteer at the Pine Street Inn, the Altar Society, and was an active member of the Women's Club.  There were many times that you would find Margaret cooking for the Parish priests, and a place was always set at the table for them.  Margaret was devoted to the Rosary and never went anywhere without her Rosary Beads.

During the summer months, Margaret was a communicant of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Meredith, NH.  An avid reader, Margaret was a member of their book club, and enjoyed spending time, and book club dinners, with her many friends. 

Margaret was a member of the Bedford Gourmet Club where she enjoyed sharing her culinary tastes with friends.  She also loved playing Bridge with her friends on Friday mornings.

As an accomplished seamstress and crafter, Margaret endlessly enjoyed making cards, quilting blankets and bedspreads for her family, knitting sweaters, smocking dresses and blankets for her grandchildren.  Margaret also valued the personal touch and old-world charm of a handwritten note. She instilled in her children the importance and etiquette of writing a thoughtful thank you note.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, and friend; she will be missed dearly by all of us.

Margaret is predeceased by her parents, an infant brother Michael, and sister, Penny Lefeber (Naples, FL). She leaves behind a sister Kathleen Daly (Fremont, NH), and brother John Michael McNicholas (Peabody, MA).  She was the devoted cousin, "sister" to Mary Moran (Bergenfield NJ) with whom a long telephone call was a life-long tradition.

A wake will be held on Tuesday, September 2, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd, Bedford. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Parish of Saint Michael, 90 Concord Road, Bedford, on Wednesday, September 3 at 10:00 am.

Memorials in Margaret’s name may be made to the Parish of Saint Michael,  https://bedfordcatholic.org/give or mail to the Parish of Saint Michael, 90 Concord Road, Bedford, MA 01730.