Therese Catherine McBride

1927 - 2021

Quaker Hill - Therese Catherine (Brennan) McBride, 94, beloved mother and grandmother of Quaker Hill, passed away Dec. 3, 2021, at the Hartford Hospital in the presence of her loving family.

She was born Dec. 3, 1927, in Norwich, the daughter of the late William F. and Mary (Cowhey) Brennan.

Therese was united in marriage to Raymond J. "Ray" McBride Oct. 17, 1959, at St. Mary's Church in Norwich. Her beloved Ray predeceased her April 20, 2009.

Therese graduated from Norwich Free Academy, class of 1945 where she was a member of the Nu Sigma Gamma Sorority and served as its President her senior year. Upon her graduation, Therese worked in the accounting department of the former US Finishing Company in Norwich. She then worked as the Office Manager for the William Brennan Real Estate and Insurance for many years retiring in 1968 upon the birth of her son.

She was a proud forty-six-year survivor of breast cancer and enjoyed participating in the Relay for Life events. She was a member of the Murphy – Rathbun Post 189 Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary where she participated in many events over the years.

Therese was a devout Catholic, praying the rosary daily and to her patron, St. Therese of Lisieux and her favorite, St. Anthony AKA "my pal Tony". Though she claimed to be shy, she was very warm and outgoing and loved being around her family, friends and was also known by many as "Grandma McBride". She was a communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Quaker Hill. She enjoyed traveling with her son's family, walks at Harkness State Park, dinners with family and an occasional trip to Mohegan Sun. She most enjoyed attending events involving her two grandchildren, Sean and Erin McBride, whether it be school events, scouting events or youth sports up through high school and following Erin's UConn Women's Rugby career.

Therese is survived by her only child, Kevin McBride, his wife Kimberly and her cherished grandchildren, Sean and Erin McBride all of Quaker Hill. She is also survived by her youngest brother Paul Brennan of Norwich; sisters-in-law, Frances Brennan of Maine and Arlene McBride of Waterford; 25 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two grand-dogs, Lucy and Bella.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister Mary (Edward) Lavallee; brothers, William, John (Anne), Raymond (Irene) and James (Doris). She was also predeceased by her brother-in-law Walter McBride; sisters-in-law, Gertrude (Edward) McBride Wright and Margaret Brennan.

The funeral will assemble at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, at the Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic and proceed to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Quaker Hill for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, New London. Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at the funeral home. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Therese's memory to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Norwich or the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.