Theresa Dwyer

Theresa Dwyer, born in Maspeth, NY, on October 15, 1934, peacefully passed away on March 5, 2025. She was baptized on November 4, 1934, and later married the love of her life, Donald J. Dwyer, on January 29, 1955, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Maspeth, NY.

A devout Catholic, she was a dedicated member of St. Louis Catholic Church for 53 years, where her faith guided her life and the love she shared with others.

She wholeheartedly supported her late husband in growing The Dwyer Group (now Neighborly) and played a significant role in the family’s entrepreneurial legacy. She was especially proud of her children’s businesses, including Get Noticed, owned by Donald J. Dwyer, Jr. and his wife Mary, and DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, owned by Douglas Dwyer and his wife Gayla. She loved the time spent with the employees and franchisees, whom she considered part of her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J. Dwyer; her parents, Sophie and Anthony Adamski; her brother, Joseph Adamski; her brother-in-law, Jack Dwyer; and her nephew, James Dwyer.

She is survived by her loving children: Donna Dwyer, Debbie Wright-Hood, Dina Dwyer-Owens & her husband Mike, Donald J. Dwyer, Jr. & his wife Mary, Douglas Dwyer & his wife Gayla, and Darren Dwyer. She leaves behind a growing legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their families:

Jacqie, Heath, Henlie, Hayes & Hanson Harris; Theresa & Brandon Ashcraft; Dani, Jud, Millie & Della Harris; Mike, Angel, Rhett, Ryder & Rasson Owens; Chris Wright, Lindsey Wright, Cooper & Carli Wright; Chase, Rebekah & Liam Hood; DJ, Ashley, Avery & Alijah Dwyer; Brandon Dwyer & his fiancé, Kendall Cotter & Breckyn Dwyer; Blake, Kylee, Brooks & Blakelee Dwyer; Ryan Dwyer, Kasidy Scott, Falyn, Brayden, Leo & Ezra Stefka; Natalye Dwyer, Darren Dwyer & his Godchildren.

The Dwyer family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Visiting Angels caregivers, who showered her with love, compassion, and faith. We are forever grateful for Teena Jimenez, Gena Woychesin & Van Davis who blessed mom (and us) with love, care, laughs & joy for many years. Special thanks to Cindy Shepherd, Willie Clater, Elaina Apjohn, Kathryn Adams, Deanna Epperson, and the many past Angels who brightened her days. A special thank you to the Bluebonnet Hospice team, especially Jessica Jones, for guiding us through this difficult time. Also, the special social workers.

And we are forever grateful for Bishop Joe Vasquez, Fr. Ryan Higdon, Fr. Raphael Ezeh, The Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, and the Sisters of Mary Morning Star.

Celebrating a Life of Faith, Family, Food, and Fun

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we celebrate the amazing life of our beloved mother, who built her life on faith, family, food, and fun. She took God’s command to be fruitful and multiply to heart, blessing the world with 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 18 (and counting) great-grandchildren, along with countless others who loved her dearly. On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, she peacefully entered eternity, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue to grow. It is special to our family that this was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent preparing for Easter.

She was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. Time and again, we hear stories of how she touched lives by how she made people feel special, welcomed, and cared for. As the Bible reminds us, three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is Love. She naturally lived this truth every day.

Our mother had a gift for bringing people together, often through food. Her homemade crepes were a treasured breakfast treat, and her famous waffles and ice cream, essentially a giant ice cream sandwich for breakfast became legendary among friends who were at first surprised but quickly won over.

She also made sure we had fun as a family. Whether it was playing board games or one of her favorites, Rummy 500, she cherished time spent together. Our annual ski trips, crammed into one big house, at times chaotic but filled with laughter and memories we still cherish today.

Most importantly, she instilled in us a deep and abiding faith. She not only took us to church but showed us by example what it meant to put our trust in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. For this, we are eternally grateful, knowing that her faith has shaped not only our lives on earth but our eternal destination.

When asked, what are you most proud of, she was quick to respond, "Being a Mother!"

Thank you, Mom, for modeling, faith, family, food, and fun. We love you so much and will carry your legacy forward.

Services:

Visitation: Sunday, March 9th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM, with a Rosary at 4:00 PM at Oakcrest Funeral Home in Waco

Funeral Mass: Monday, March 10th, at 10:00 AM at St. Louis Catholic Church in Waco

Celebration Reception: Following the service at Diamond Backs Restaurant

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to St. Louis Catholic Church, 2001 N. 25th St, Waco, Texas 76708 or Mission Waco, 1315 N. 15th St., Waco, Texas 76707.