Theresa Ann (Jacob) O'Brien

The absolute light of our lives, our beloved Theresa Ann (Jacob) O'Brien, has passed on, surrounded by family, on January 10, 2022. Born in Abington, MA on June 24, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Jule and Gabrielle Jacob. Sister of Lorraine Januszewski, the late John Jacob and the late James Jacob.

To know Theresa is to know love, which she gave to all. A hug from Mom and Gramma was the center of the universe, her rhubarb pie was more than our mouths deserved, her laughter the greatest soundtrack, her friendship a gift to cherish. She once saw Johnny Cash at the Grand Ole Opry when he was just starting out, was the captain of her Abington High field hockey team, loved the Red Sox and Ted Williams and was known on occasion to skip school to see them play at Fenway. For 61 years was happily married to her best friend, Bill. Her penmanship was textbook perfect. Theresa loved traveling to Hawaii, California, cruises, Misquamicut, and visits with her beloved sister, Lorraine. She helped inspire commercial campaigns in Hollywood and, along with Bill got a round of applause at a studio soundstage. And she is responsible for adding 12 human beings to the population (but don't blame her because we her children added 9 of those stats). She worked at several jobs throughout the years, from Edison to Brockton Public Market and Shaw's, where she is still remembered years later for her work ethic. She most enjoyed volunteering at the Hanson Senior Center. Her love for our backyard Wiffleball games and gardening with Bill made our childhood home a true Field of Dreams.

Theresa is survived by her devoted, loving husband of 61 years, Bill. Sons Patrick, Stephen and Daniel. Sister Lorraine Januszewski. Daughters-in-laws Cathleen, Leanne and Pearl. Grandchildren Christopher, Sean, Matthew, Timothy, Megan, Nicholas, Zachary, Olive. Great grandchild Eoin. Nieces and nephews, Donna, Lorry, Paul, Dennis, Bill, John, Michael, Robert, Marybeth, Maureen, Thomas, Jacob, Scott, Marc, Carla, and brother in-law Alphonse.

This is a loss for which there is no resolve except to share into the world the love she gave to us in abundance. She will live on in our hearts forever. This isn't goodbye, for we'll be seeing you everywhere, our beloved "Mother Theresa," the greatest light a family could ever have.

(Right about now she would say, "Gimme a break. Stop reading this and go get the pizzas already!" She really would.

“Money talks, but it don’t sing and dance and it don’t walk. As long as I can have you here with me, I’d much rather be forever in blue jeans.” — Neil Diamond

Masks required in the funeral home and in church. In lieu of hugs, elbow bumps will be an IOU for a real hug when it's safer to do so. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Hanson Senior Center. Visiting hours are Sunday Jan. 16 from 1-4pm in the Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home, 4 W. Washington St., Hanson. Funeral mass Wednesday Jan. 19 at 11am at Holy Apostles Parish / St. Joseph the Worker Church, 4 Maquan St., Hanson. Burial to follow at Fern Hill Cemetery, Hanson.

Arrangements by Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home, Hanson. Due to Covid, a celebration of her life is being planned for the summer. Until then, raise an ice cream cone from Peaceful Meadows or Heidi's Hollow in her honor. For more information, or to write an online condolence, visit www.mackinnonfuneralhomes.com.

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