HOLYOKE

Theresa Andrews, age 71 of Holyoke, sister of Stanley Chmura passed away on September 3, 2017.  Theresa was born in Dornbirn, Austria in 1946.  When she was 6 years old she came to America with her mother, Bertha Chmura and her brother Stanley. They lived in Easthampton, Massachusetts. When Theresa’s father Walter came to America he purchased a house in Holyoke where they lived. Theresa attended the Mater Dolorosa Elementary School, she then graduated from Holyoke High School. After high school she graduated from Northampton Commercial College.  Theresa then had a career as an accountant with the Farm Credit Bank. Theresa enjoyed skiing, both downhill and cross country. She enjoyed hiking and long walks. Theresa often traveled and visited many countries, she traveled to Poland a number of times with her mother.  They would also go to New York and visit her cousin Terry Chmura and aunt Chris Chmura. When Theresa retired she devoted much of her time to her family. She loved gardening and spent many years gardening with her mother.  She helped raise her brother’s daughter Deaundra. Theresa loved spending time with Deaundra’s daughter Joeyonna, often playing with her, helping her with her homework and babysitting whenever she could.  Thanksgiving and Christmas were always celebrated at Theresa’s house.  Theresa would go on long walks with her mother and help her with her yard.  As time passed, Theresa spent most of her time caring for her mother, taking her out to eat every day and going to church with her.  Theresa was her caretaker during her mother’s last days and was at her side when she passed away.  In 2003 she met long time partner John Tomasetti. She would attend all of John’s art exhibits, and would go on week long trips to be with John when he was taking watercolor workshops.  They enjoyed dining out, taking day trips, walking, and just hanging out together.  John and Deaundra were at her side when she passed. Theresa always tried to do her best for family and friends, she was happy and positive and only had good things to say about others.  She had the ability to make people feel good and always looked on the bright side. 

Her Polish Heritage was important to her and she always used the Polish language when talking to her mother or others who spoke Polish. Theresa was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Bertha Chmura.  Surviving is her brother Stanley, his daughter Deaundra, and her daughter Joeyonna.  She is also survived by her former husband Robert Andrews of Northampton.  Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September, 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Cross Church, Holyoke followed by Burial in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery, South Hadley. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Theresa to Mater Dolorosa School, 25 Maple Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.