Theresa Olsen

Theresa Marie Olsen (Clifford), 86, passed away on February 13th, 2019 at a hospital in Orlando Florida. Born in Boston MA October 12th 1932, Terry was a first generation American, the daughter of Irish immigrants, Mary (O Sullivan) and Patrick D. Clifford. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Alden Warren Olsen. She is survived by her four children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Virginia and Donald Peppler of Neptune NJ, Noreen and David Thelan of Wadsworth OH, Joanne and Glenn Laney of Leesburg, FL and Eric Olsen of Leesburg, FL. Grandchildren Julianne Laney of NYC, Devin & Meredith Peppler of Neptune NJ, Erik & Tara Laney of Dallas TX, Kirk Peppler & Fiancé Jacquelyn Soifer of Raleigh NC; Maggie Thelan of Wadsworth OH and Alex Olsen of Yelm WA. Knowing she was a great grandmother to Zoey J. Peppler, Ethan and Emma Laney, was a highlight for her. Terry is also survived by her brother Daniel P. Clifford & Cynthia of Dedham MA; Sisters Joan Duffy of Wilmington, MA, Patricia Lorento of Holbrook, MA and Noreen & Robert Bruce of Hanover, MA. Sister in law Gloria (Olsen) Leroy of Erie PA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jimmy, sister Mary, and brothers in law Joseph Duffy and Vincent Lorento. She leaves behind many beloved nephews and nieces in the Olsen and Clifford families and those who called her Aunt from the Marando and Smith families. Terry grew up in the City of Boston where she attended Catholic school in Jamaica Plain and The Practical Arts High School in Roxbury, where she learned to sew. She met her sweetheart Alden, while he was stationed at the Charlestown Navy Yard during the Korean Conflict. They married on February 21st, 1954. They settled into Boston welcoming three daughters while her husband worked nights and attended college. They relocated to Fairfield Connecticut in 1958 and welcomed a son. After purchasing their first home in 1962, the family moved to New Milford, CT where she lived for 17 years raising four children. She especially loved summers in New Milford at Lynn Deming Park where she enjoyed boating and lake living with family and friends. Her husband’s career relocated them several times after taking them from Connecticut to New Jersey, Texas, and Arizona. She embraced decorating each of their new homes, outfitting it with custom drapes and working with Al on home improvements. After retirement they settled into Lexington KY where they enjoyed the beauty of Kentucky for 20 years. She had recently relocated to Leesburg FL. Terry was a hard working creative person. She established a successful home based sewing business, making custom drapes and slip covers for over 50 years. As an accomplished seamstress, she made most of the families clothing, creating memorable Easter and Christmas outfits as well as every day and special occasion dresses. She enjoyed crafting homemade dresses, dolls and applique blankets to welcome new family members. One of her last creations were christening outfits she made from her own satin wedding dress. Her work outside of the home included retail and various manufacturing jobs. She started at JJ Newberry’s in Boston and ended at a children’s clothing store in Texas where she often spent her paycheck on clothing for her grandchildren. Terry and Al enjoyed a road trip and traveled to each state in the US. They also enjoyed several International trips. Their travels often were around family. It was a priority for her to make it to as many of her children and grandchildren’s activities as she could. She enjoying many days on the sidelines of a sporting event watching no matter what the weather was. She passed on her love of making pies to her family. We will always remember her perfect flaky crusts and will continue to make her Irish soda bread to celebrate her Irish heritage on St Patrick’s Day. We know Dad welcomed his bride into Kingdom of God just in time for their 65th wedding anniversary. Services and internment of Terry and Al’s ashes will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Borne, MA at a later date

Theresa Olsen

October 12, 1932 - February 13, 2019