Theresa McGuire

Theresa Cecilia McGuire (Zorn) passed away peacefully on the morning of October 20, 2025 after a decade long battle with Alzheimer's, the thief that stole her from us a bit at a time. Born on April 20, 1951 in Tampa, Florida, she loved the ocean and sunny beaches. She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph Louis (J.L.) Zorn and Theresa Cecilia Zorn, and family matriarch Mary Louise Powell Sultenfuss, known affectionately as "Granny."

She leaves behind her loving husband of nearly 40 years, James Sherwood McGuire; her brother Mark Joseph "Uncle Marker" Zorn and his wife Cathy Zorn; four children and their spouses, Jack Bernard Cooney IV and Lisa Cooney; Nancy Chatfield McGuire Choi and Eugene Choi; Sarah Powell McGuire and Kelley McGuire; and Amanda Ford McGuire Parlon and Paul Parlon. She took great joy in her seven grandchildren and was known lovingly as "Tutu" to all of them: Dillon Zorn Cooney, Cameron Cecilia Cooney, Jamie Alexandra Choi, Ellie McGuire Choi, Theresa James McGuire, Charlie Powell McGuire, and Emma James McGuire. She often marveled at them with smiles and a twinkle in her eye even when she could no longer speak.

Theresa lived fully, having had to be independent and strong in the world at a young age, and did not tolerate fools. She had a quick wit, and a keen sense of humor. A true firebrand, she loved music, fancy meals, key lime pie, Corvettes, and challenging the patriarchy. While home was typically physically frigid (she did not allow a thermostat above 66 degrees), she created a warmth in family gatherings and traditions that always brought back children and grandchildren for holidays and regular meals. She was a wonderful cook. She adored animals, and found furry soul-mates in many dogs throughout her life including Pacino, Sunnie, Tizzy, and Phoebe.

She'd embraced her natural athleticism in her adult years, returning to a love of horseback riding. She often competed in shows across the East Coast, finding her favorite place was at the barn with her horses, which over the years included Libby, Roxanne, and Caddy. Her children sometimes wondered aloud if her devotion to the horses was above that to her kids (results were not ever confirmed). A long time Crossfitter, she often sported a smile through her burpees, particularly when she challenged her husband to "just one more". Ever the competitor, she enjoyed a few years of being the top triathlete in the family, amazing everyone when she accepted a bib in an Olympic distance contest after the sprint distance had been canceled. But that was just like her: presented with a challenge, she embraced it head on with a smile, some grit, and sometimes while flipping the bird. She faced her breast cancer diagnosis with the same spirit, toppling that disease in her 60s. Her husband will always miss her companionship, love, and her willingness to "Irish-goodbye" any event with him. Her children will always miss her quick check in calls, the smell of her signature perfume, and her hugs. All take comfort that she is no longer suffering, and will hold her in their hearts for the rest of their lives.

Visiting hours will be held at Sullivan Funeral Home in Hanover, MA on November 8, 2025 from 1-3pm followed by a brief funeral service at the same location. All are welcome to join the family afterwards at the Council For Aging Norwell residence. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Mass General Hospital