Obituary of Theresa Marie McQuillan

On April 11, 2016, Theresa Marie McQuillan, 94, passed away surrounded by family. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. Theresa will be remembered for her friendliness, kindness, and dedication to those she cared for and nurtured. Theresa was the sixth child born to Michael and Angelina D'Alessandro on August 22, 1921 in New York City. She grew up in New York City where she met and married Joseph McQuillan in 1948. Together for 65 years, they raised three daughters, Eileen, Kathleen, and Maureen. In 1965, they moved to Setauket, New York where they remained until moving to Naples, Florida for retirement. In 2007, they moved to Reston, Virginia to be closer to family. In her later years, Theresa required support which was first provided in home by Home Helpers. This service brought caregivers who allowed her to continue shopping trips for the best bargains and listened to her endless stories. Since May of 2014, Theresa was cared for first at Commonwealth Health and Rehabilitation and then at Potomac Falls Health and Rehabilitation, since in her words she officially "retired." There she flourished and loved the interaction she found among the residents and staff, especially the recreation team and her favorite CNAs. Theresa is survived by her daughters Eileen Smith of Plano, Texas, Kathleen McQuillan of Reston, Virginia, and Maureen (Keith) Brennan of Reston, Virginia; her grandchildren Cathaleen (Zel) Graham of Allen, Texas, Joseph Smith of Plano, Texas, Jack Brennan of Reston, Virginia, and Conor Brennan of Reston, Virginia; and her great-grandchildren Zalen and Brycen Graham of Allen, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and grandchildren, Brian Smith and Michael Smith. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 19th at St. Thomas a Becket, 1421 Wiehle Avenue, Reston, VA 20190. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Residents' Council of Potomac Falls Health and Rehabilitation Center, 46531 Harry Byrd Highway, Sterling, VA 20164 so as to fund the activities Theresa loved so much or to Capital Caring, 2900 Telestar Ct, Falls Church, VA 22042 who provided end-of-life care and support. Condolences may be left on Theresa's online guest book at http://www.adamsgreen.com/book-of-memories/2472370/McQuillan-Theresa-/obituary.php.