Obituary of Theresa Ann Hanley

It is with deep love and profound sorrow that the family of Theresa Ann Hanley announces her sudden and peaceful passing on the twenty seventh of June 2025 in Saint John, NB at the age of 80.  Theresa was born on the twenty first of July, 1944, in Woburn, Massachusetts.  She brought beauty into the world through her creativity, passion, and love.

Theresa spent her summers on Whites Mountain, NB where she then met and married her husband in 1966.  In 1981, she settled in St. Martins, NB, where she lovingly raised her seven children, and opened her heart and home to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbours, and friends.

Theresa was a graduate of the New England School of Fine Arts in Boston, MA.  She was an exceptionally talented and creative artist in a wide range of mediums, who inspired a similar passion and dedication for art in her many students.

A lifelong learner and deeply spiritual woman, Theresa pursued higher education later in life.  In 1998, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Catholic and Religious Studies at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB.  In 2003, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Religion and Culture from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, ON.  Theresa returned to St. Thomas University as a Lecturer in Religious and Catholic Studies for nearly a decade and also served as a journalist for The New Freeman, Catholic newspaper.

Theresa was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and domestic violence awareness.  She served on the board of Hestia House and collaborated with the CBC to create a documentary shedding light on these important issues.  A proud and active member of Birthright International, Theresa also devoted herself to numerous church and community causes throughout her life.  Whether through acts of service, quiet support, or donating art to charity, she exemplified compassion and commitment.

Theresa was also an avid gardener, homesteader and environmentalist; her flower beds were works of art, and her vegetable gardens nourished many. Theresa was the cherished keeper of the family’s secret spaghetti sauce recipe!  The one dish that always brought the family together, no matter how few could gather.  Her kitchen was a place of laughter, joy and dancing to fiddle tunes.

Theresa's legacy is one of kindness, intelligence, faith, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to family.  She will be deeply missed by her children: Kevin Nickerson, Anita Nickerson, Mike Nickerson, Greg Nickerson (Lisa Marchbank), Ann-Marie Nickerson (Chris Proctor), Leigh Nickerson (Katie Murphy), and Gloria Johnston (Ashley Johnston); her beloved grandchildren: Samantha Noftell (Joe Noftell), Rene Hanley, Tim Nickerson, Lacey Nickerson, and Anna Murphy; and her great-grandchildren: Desmond and Roland Noftell.

She is also survived by her brother, Leonard Hanley, and nieces and nephew: Christine Logan, Judy Pollard, Jean McCarthy, and Jason Hanley. She was predeceased by her grandson, Manny Nickerson; her sister-in-law, Pearl Hanley, and by her dearly loved parents, Irene and Harold Hanley.

Theresa passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. Her spirit and strength will live on in all those who had the privilege of knowing her.  She will be forever missed and always remembered.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, the twelfth of July at 11:00 AM at St. William’s Church, St. Martins, NB. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting Theresa's obituary on the Brenan's website.  The burial ceremony will be immediately following the Mass at St. William’s Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life Reception will follow in the reception hall located in the lower level of St. William’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. E-Transfer can be made using the email  starofthesea@nb.aibn.com