Theresa Lee Grimshaw O'Neill, 60, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on June 28, 2022 after courageously battling lung cancer for two years. She was born on July 8, 1961 to the late Concetta and Thomas Grimshaw, Sr. A lifelong resident of Hamden, Teri graduated from Hamden High School before attending Stone Academy.
Theresa will be lovingly remembered by her four daughters and sons-in-law, Catherine and Sean Buck of Guilford, Tara and Mark Fogel of Hamden, Margaret O'Neill and fiancé Timothy Miett of Worcester, and Bridget O'Neill-Abdallah and Tamer Abdallah of North Haven; their father, Thomas O'Neill; her grandchildren, Killian & Aoife Buck and Emilia Abdallah; her siblings, Connie Ann (Carl) Langner, Thomas (Maria) Grimshaw, Jr., and Patricia (Jon) Pearson; and her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, who will never forget their beloved Auntie Tootie.
Teri's playful and generous spirit revealed itself in everything she did. When her girls were younger, that meant pool games, crafts and endless summer activities. More recently, she loved her new role as 'Banana,' spoiling her three beautiful grandchildren. Theresa basked in life's smallest moments. Some of her favorite pastimes were camping with family, bowling with her mom and siblings, and dancing to her favorite tunes, especially Meatloaf. Before returning to CT in 2020, Teri treasured the years she spent and the friends she made while living and working by the beach in Hampton, NH. Above all else, her greatest joy came from spending time with her four daughters, of whom she was beyond proud.
Friends are invited to visit with Theresa's family on Tuesday, July 5th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. All are invited to go directly to St. Rita's Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Wednesday morning for a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private. Donations in Theresa's honor may be sent to Smilow Cancer Hospital at www.givetoynhh.org .