Theresa Delores Alward

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Theresa Delores (Julian) Alward passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Taigh Solas, where she had been residing for four years. Mom was born on May 25, 1927, in Sydney Mines to the late MaryAnne Donovan and Charles Julian. 

Mom was very literate and smart in so many ways, one of the best cooks on the planet, never afraid to be sassy or audacious, with a great sense of humor. In her earlier days, she loved bowling, bingo, shopping, playing cards, and dancing with Dad. Mom loved spending time with the company and feeding family, friends, and the neighborhood kids. Her sense of being mischievous stayed with her till her very end.

  In Mom’s early days on Pond Street, her yard was always full of kids who called her TC and was a master at kids' birthday parties. 

All through life, Mom loved watching baseball and hockey and was a huge Blue Jays and Maple Leafs fan.

 She was also active in the Ladies Auxiliary of Branch 8 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Theresa was the last of her line, predeceased by her parents and sister Tootsie (Mary) Wassilaskus, brothers Tony, Albert, Jimmie, and Charlie, and her daughter-in-law Joyce (Davies) Aylward. She was predeceased by her loving husband Jack, the love of her life, who spoiled her rotten (leaving a huge gap for the rest of us to fill) 

Theresa is survived by her son John (Paula), daughter Debi (Jim) Merritt, grandchildren, Robbie Hollingsworth, Bobbi Jo (Robert) Green, Suzie, Charlie, Jillian, Jamie Aylward, and loving great-grandchildren Cara, Carter, Riley, Charley, Natalie, and Nicholas. Theresa is also survived by her beloved in-laws, Ritchie and Gertie Aylward, Laura Aylward, Teresa Foskett, Florence Willerton, Fred and Jean Aylward, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also, her very dear friends Rachael Prusic and Mary Heroux. 

 As per Mom’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Family Church Hall on Friday, September 15, at 10 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Thank you to the staff of Taigh Solas for doing what we couldn’t. Also, a huge thank you to Michel and Louise McKeough for all the years of care given to Mom and our family. Also, thank you to Dr. Salah. Thank you to J M Jobes Funeral Home for their professional guidance and compassion. 

 Donations can be made to a local food bank or a charity of your choice.