Theresa Ann Goble

Theresa Ann Goble of Manassas, Virginia died peacefully at home on May 15, 2023, at 85, surrounded by her family. She was born to the late Catherine (Osterholt) and Daniel O’Leary Sr. on September 19, 1937, in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Daniel (Bill) O’Leary Jr., two infant children and a son-in-law Brian Lee. She graduated from St. Theresa’s Academy in East St. Louis, Illinois in 1954. While cheerleading at an Assumption High School basketball game, Theresa was investigating burnt popcorn only to discover the culprit, Richard (Dick) Goble, who eventually became the love of her life. They were married in December of 1957, and always held each other's hands until Dick preceded her in death after 63 years of marriage. Together they have six daughters and son-in-laws: Mary Goble-Lee of Bel Air, Maryland; Linda and David Bergonia of Chicago, Illinois; Michelle and Greg Baker of Harrisburg, Illinois; Julie and Edward Natali of Butler, Pennsylvania; Margaret “Buffy” and James Prince of Chesterfield, Virginia; Amy and Charles Cooke IV of Manassas, Virginia. They were blessed with 18 grandchildren, whom their “Mama” adored: Richard Lee and Jessica (Jordan) Bratton; Alexandra (Brian) Hamilton, Andrew (Caroline), Margot and Caroline Bergonia; Nicole (Brad) Storms and Courtney (Daniel) Johnston; Rachel (Thomas) Buncich and Caleb Natali; Catherine (Andrew) Culton and Danielle Prince; Christopher, Jackie, Porter (Alyssa), Bradley, and Vincent Cooke, and Samantha (David) Brower. They also have 8 great-grandchildren; Brittney and Brenden Storms, Haley and Archer Johnston, Lucas Lee, Hazel and James Culton and Adelina Bergonia. Theresa was not just a homemaker, she was a multi-talented artisan. Initially pursuing a degree in fashion design her focus quickly shifted to raising her rapidly growing family. There wasn’t a craft she couldn’t master, including ceramics, painting, quilling and crocheting. Her true talent was with a needle and thread. When her children were younger, she made almost all their clothes - often making matching outfits for herself and her girls. But her love was making beautiful wedding attire, countless prom dresses, christening gowns and Halloween costumes for family and friends. Although she didn’t have much free time while raising six daughters, she volunteered to be Girl Scout Leader, craft lady at day camp, and supplied countless cookies and brownies for bake sales. Another passion of hers was breeding and raising pedigree cocker spaniels. A four legged friend was never far from her side. Theresa navigated 6 relocations of her family across the country including Owensville, Missouri; Boulder, Colorado; Harrisburg, Illinois; Princeton, West Virginia; and Bel Air, Maryland. She spearheaded the building and decorating of each home, often making all the curtains and bedding. She successfully became an integral part of each new school district, Girl Scout troop and Catholic Church parish. A visionary before her time, she pushed and encouraged her girls to follow their dreams. Theresa instilled in her family the belief that “You can do anything and the only thing holding you back is yourself.” After Dick retired the family moved yet again to Manassas, Virginia. After his death, Theresa was welcomed into the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Charlie Cooke and their family, where she lived until her death. Theresa and Dick were both devoted Catholics and sang in choirs throughout the country and at All Saints Catholic Church for many decades. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and Aggie’s Angels at All Saints. Theresa’s family would like to thank the members of the Vitas Hospice organization who were so tender and supportive to her and her family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Vitas Hospice and Palliative Care. _____________________

Theresa Ann Goble

September 19, 1937 - May 15, 2023