Therese A. Gusha

HOLDEN - Therese Antoinette (Girard) Gusha passed away peacefully at home with her beloved eight children by her side on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. “Meme” as she was called, celebrated Independence Day 93 times having been born on the 4th of July in the town of Sanford, Maine. She was the eleventh of fifteen children born to Adelia (LaLiberte) and Hormidas Girard. The family later moved to Massachusetts and it was here that she met the love of her life, Ligor “Lee” Gusha. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage until Lee’s passing in 2008.

Therese leaves behind eight children, Gregory Gusha of Brentwood, California, Audrey Durell and her husband, Michael of Sharpsburg, Georgia, Margaret Mancini and her husband, Dr. John Mancini of North Venice, Florida, James Gusha and his wife, Marcia of Rutland, Alice Persico of Oxford, Dr. John Gusha and his wife, Cathy of Holden, Nancy Garner and her husband, Brian Garner, Esq. of Sandwich, and Catherine Stoneham and her husband, Charles of Holden. She was Meme to 25 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sisters, Gloria Lundy of Shrewsbury and Doris MacManus of Burlington; and her best friend, Mary (Metterville) Dipilato of Holden, who was responsible for introducing Therese and Lee. Therese was also preceded in death by six brothers and six sisters.

Therese was a consummate seamstress, opening her own business “Terry’s Custom Draperies” while raising her large family. She worked tirelessly providing beautiful draperies and bedspreads for a number of local interior designers. Her work was flawless and has graced many a home, office, and church throughout the area and beyond. Therese’s work also adorns St. Joseph’s Abby in Spencer

Therese and Lee welcomed many extended family members to live with them through life transitions, including Lored Asllani, who has been part of the family since arriving from Albania at age 14. Their door was open in all circumstances. Everyone touched by their generosity continues to thank them to this day.

Her family knows that no tribute will ever capture who Therese was and what she meant to others. Simply put, Meme was the best. Always optimistic, happy, a pleasure to be with, a confidant when needed. She was truly a bright light in this world and is missed by all.

The family would like to thank all of the private help who assisted us with Meme this past year as well as the staff of Summit Eldercare for the wonderful services provided.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Therese's family from 3 - 6 pm at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden on Sunday, February 17. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, February 18 at St. George Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester, with burial to follow in Hope Cemetery, 119A Webster St., Worcester. Memorial donations may be made to St. George Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester, MA 01606.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit her tribute wall.