Obituary of Theresa Theadoshia Wanamaker

With broken hearts, Chris (Gloria Davidson) and Carolyn announce the passing of their beloved mother and family matriarch, Theresa (Doe) Wanamaker.

Born in 1928 in Coldbrook (now part of Saint John’s Rothesay Avenue), Doe was the cherished daughter of Edward Louis and Olive Louise (Record) Riley. She was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Reg, 29 years ago. She also mourned the loss of her older brother Maurice, her sisters Doris (Pat) McCoy and Lorraine (Owen) Lee, as well as her infant son, Gary Stephen. She held dear the memories of her nephews Jack and Everett McCoy and niece Rosamond Gregory, who predeceased her.

Doe is survived by several nieces and one nephew, along with her special great-niece, Jennifer (Jeff) Nelson and family. She is also lovingly remembered by the McConnell and Dyer families, who knew her as “Grammie Doe” – not by blood, but by the deepest bonds of love and friendship.

A 1945 graduate of St. Vincent’s High School, Doe continued her education at Business College before working for Dr. Jack Edgecomb. She later joined Vince Livingstone Ltd., a beauty supply company, before finding her true calling as a typesetter at Keystone Printing, where she excelled.

In 1946, Doe met Reg, the love of her life. The two shared a passion for dancing, twirling across the floor five nights a week at the old King Square Service Center to the sounds of Sammy Cohen and Pete Stevens’ jazz orchestras. Their love story led to marriage in September 1948, after which they set up home together on Paddock Street and later Orange Street – a place Doe dearly treasured. These beautiful homes were shared with Reg’s beloved parents Nina and Charles Wanamaker.

While she found success in her career, Doe’s greatest fulfillment came from supporting Reg in his many volunteer endeavors, including the VON, Children’s Wish, Loyalist Days, the United Way Campaign and his involvement as campaign manager for many PC candidates. She was the quiet force behind the scenes – hosting meetings and dinner parties, assisting with fundraising efforts, housing visitors, and doing whatever was needed to help. She also gave her time generously as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. 

Doe’s kindness, intelligence, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her warmth and compassion were evident in every aspect of her life, and her beautiful smile could brighten any room. She found joy in the company of her dear friends over countless games of bridge, cherishing the laughter and companionship they shared. In later years she took great delight in getting phone calls and visits with nieces Barb Simmons and Susan Bakewell.

Doe’s love for Saint John never wavered. In 2015, as her health declined, she moved to Grafton, NB, to live with her daughter Carolyn. There, she spent many peaceful days on the front deck, taking in the breathtaking views of the Saint John River Valley. Though she grew to appreciate the beauty of her new surroundings, Saint John always remained closest to her heart.

Her memory will be held close in the hearts of those who loved her, forever cherished and never forgotten. A true role model for all who knew her, and a hero to many. She faced multiple health issues with sereness, grace and dignity, never once complaining.

Doe, Mom, you will be missed so much, we love you now and always.

Chris and Carolyn want to send special thanks to the homecare workers Margaret, Jennifer, Martha, Rosemary, and Natasha. These caring women made a huge difference in mom’s daily life. We also have great gratitude to Mom’s Doctor, Dr. David Bell. He went out of his way on many occasions to make sure mom was well looked after. And finally, we want to send thanks to the Extramural nurses and therapists – their wisdom and kindness gave great comfort.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424). Visitation will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM from Brenan’s Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 12:10 PM, from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church (91 Waterloo Street, Saint John). Interment will follow the Mass at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery. Following the interment, a reception will be held at Brenan's Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions would be greatly appreciated to an animal shelter of your choice, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be shared at www.brenansfh.com.