Obituary published on Legacy.com by Joseph W. Sorce Funeral Home Inc. - Pearl River on Mar. 19, 2025.
Teresa Mulkern, nee McNelis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024. Born October 4, 1932 in Baile Ard, Glencolmcille, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Teresa is predeceased by her husband, Patrick. Teresa was the fourth youngest of twelve brothers and sisters. She is also predeceased by her many brothers and sisters: Dennis, Patrick, Mary, Rosie, Roger, Dominic (Sonny), Charlie, Jimmy, Vincent, and Michael.
As a teenager, Teresa had the opportunity to experience many wonderful adventures both at home and in England when many of her siblings emigrated to England or Scotland. Teresa soon followed. Teresa entered a nursing program which gave her an opportunity to work a some of the hospitals throughout London.
Teresa loved London and fondly reminisced about the work and friends she made there. She especially enjoyed visiting with her sister Mary, going to the dances, and the excitement of shopping for a new dress.
In 1960, Teresa decided she was ready for a new adventure and left family and friends emigrating to New York. Shortly after arriving she met Patrick Mulkern at one of the many Irish dances in Manhattan that were typical for that time. Patrick and Teresa were married in 1962 and began there life together in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. Together they raised five children: Geraldine, Brian, Patrick, Rita, and Kevin.
In 1979 Patrick and Teresa decided to begin yet another chapter in their lives by moving to Nanuet. New York.
Upon arriving both Patrick and Teresa immediately involved themselves in the St. Anthony's community. Teresa's strong faith was reflected in her participation in St. Anthony's Blessed Mothers Sodality, her active membership in St. Anthony's choir, and her role as a Eucharistic minister at St. Anthony's.
As a Eucharistic minister she volunteered to bring communion to patients to the local hospitals within Rockland County where Teresa was also willing to sit down and listen to the patients. Teresa always found this to be comforting and rewarding as it enabled patients to share their stories. Shortly after, she followed her calling and dedicated herself to those in need of hospice care.
Upon Patrick's retirement in 1995 they divided their time in Donegal and New York. Those years surrounded by family on both sides of the Atlantic brought them both great joy.
After Patrick's passing in 2011 Teresa cherished the support and comradery from friends in the many senior meetings.
Teresa is survived by her son Kevin, daughter Rita (Maurice), Patrick (Sinead), Brian, and Geraldine (Ciaran), and her loving grandchildren, Ciara, Aine, Sean, Aidan, Dylan, Cian, Caitlin, Ellen, Grace.
Teresa is also survived by her younger sister Rita (Glencolmcille). She looked forward to and maintained the weekly "Chinwag". This contact was maintained until as recently as last week.
Visitation will take place Sunday from 4 to 8pm at the Joseph W. Sorce FH 34 N. Summit St.
Pearl River, NYA Mass of Christian burial will take place Monday at 10:00am at St. Anthony's Parish Church Nanuet, NY
Burial will take place Wednesday at St. Columba's Catholic Church Cashel, Glencolmcille, Co. Donegal Ireland To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Teresa, please visit our Tree Store.