This is the story of a very special lady

who spent 93 years wearing a smile that never faded.

Clifton Park, NY- Theresa Mary O'Hanlon Kent left this world on May 27, 2024, but kept her superpower until the end. That superpower was her kindness.  To meet Theresa was to gain a new friend. Every conversation involved her asking about you —and patiently listening to all you needed to say. Her husband said a visit to the mall was like accompanying a celebrity who was hailed by employees and shoppers who had experienced her warmth. In her last years, in moments of discomfort, she smiled and thanked attending nursing home staff. Her doctor said, "If I could take this patient home and watch over her, I would."

Theresa was born in the Bronx on Jan 13, 1931. Her Irish immigrant parents, Kathleen and Jeremiah, struggled to have a child, so they prayed to Saint Therese of Lisieux. Nine months later a miracle arrived with red hair, weighing less than four pounds.

An only child, Theresa was adored by her parents and her beloved Uncle Eddie. Her mother set 56 pin curls in Theresa's hair every night, same as Shirley Temple's. She arrived at school each day wearing a fresh-pressed blue uniform that her mother Tintex-dyed at the slightest fading. But class blended with sweetness in this little redhead; she had many friends.

Theresa attended Catholic schools with her pals the Burns sisters until she developed rheumatic fever that forced a transfer to public school. Despite dreading this change, she thrived at Walton High School. It was there that she met one of her lifelong best friends (and maid of honor) Alice Smith.

When Theresa wasn't shopping or attending mass with her mother, she was chumming with Alice. Through Alice, Theresa met Harry Kent and a 57-year love story began. The slim, pretty Bronx girl became Mrs. Harry Kent at a wedding in 1958 with pageantry and Hollywood worthy good looks. Years later they would realize that their paths had crossed even earlier, back in childhood when Theresa's mother had returned home one day, saddened after learning a little boy in the Kent family had lost his young mother. She wondered if he would ever find happiness again.

Indeed, they both found happiness and a big family. Theresa and Harry moved to the boonies of Long Island, where she mothered four children. Always focused on her family's needs, her Irish mother had to tell Theresa to not panic about the invasion of the Beatles. "They're a band, honey, not bugs." Long Island grew on Theresa. She loved the people, the hustle and bustle, Saint Joseph's Church in Kings Park, the delis, bakeries and the beaches.  While not one for arguments, she developed one firm opinion that never wavered: "There's no place like Long Island!"

But it was inside her home where Theresa found her greatest joy hosting family and friends, both on Long Island and in later years, Saratoga Springs, New York. Guests enjoyed delicious food, laughter and meaningful conversation. Theresa had exquisite yet welcoming taste in home décor. And long before Marie Kondo, she was training Harry to reduce clutter (Mixed results, she would add). Theresa was the boss indoors and Harry ruled the yard, as nature was never her passion. Her dear friend Rita Maher once asked Theresa to identify a particular mint plant that was growing in her yard. "Mint-schmint," said Theresa. "Who knows?"

But what Theresa did know, she knew well. She knew how to love her family in a way that each family member needed. How to show up for friends like Rita and Sandy Pezzuto. How to laugh and throw a fun party. How to accept life's crosses and not turn bitter. How to pick up her rosary beads and pray.

Theresa may have been named for Saint Therese of Lisieux but she epitomized the way of Saint Theresa of Calcutta who said, "We are not all called to do great things, but we can all do great things with love."

Now, Theresa's family returns her to Harry. Dad, we watched over her since you left, but she was never really ours. She is yours. Two halves of one beating heart.

Go now with the Lord, Mom.  We will see you over the rainbow. And for sure we'll know you by your smile.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband Harry, her son, Eddie, and her granddaughter Kellyrose Andrews. She is survived by her cousin/godson Edward (Kathleen) O'Hanlon, her son John Kent (Cathy) of Commack, NY; Rosemarie Kent (Tom) of Wilmington, NC; and Kathleen Beckwith (Ross) of Saratoga Springs, NY; and by her grandchildren, Mary Kent Massaro (Dominic), Edward Kent, Regina Kent Young (Tyler), Tae Andrews, Connor Andrews (Kate), Theresa Kent, Matthew Beckwith (Tara), Calvin Beckwith (Ingrid), Quinn Beckwith; and great grandchildren, Niko Vafiadis, Kyleigh Murray, Antimo Massaro, Bennett Massaro, Carter Young and Payton Young.

Relatives and friends may call from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on June 3, 2024 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 PM.  Burial will be held on June 4, 2024 at 1:15 pm in St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, NY.  Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Theresa's family would like to send heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Schuyler Ridge Residential for her outstanding care these past eight years.

Donations in Theresa's memory can be made to Schuyler Ridge Residential Healthcare, 1 Abele Blvd, Clifton Park, NY 12065 or to The Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.