Theresa Swanson

Theresa Marie Swanson, 94, beloved Mom and Grandma passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026. She lived in Naugatuck her entire life. Born December 17, 1931, to Philip and Hedwig Sulkoski of Naugatuck. She attended St Hedwig’s School and then Naugatuck High School graduating in 1949. She earned an award as a champion typist from the Perry Business School before eventually working for U.S. Rubber and Uniroyal Chemical Co for over 40 years. She married Donald Swanson in 1956, raising 5 children together at 36 Fuller St. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Swanson in April of 2010. She is survived and missed by her children: Joan Kimball (Bob) of Rocky Hill, Philip (Lori) of Spokane WA, Janet Smith (Bob) of Durham, Kerry of Southington, and Mark (Lisa) of Beacon Falls. Eleven grandchildren (Tori, Alexa, David, Daniel, Josh, Ryan, Sara, Erik, Jennifer, Sean, & Emma) and four great-grandchildren (Levi, Lauren, Eliza, & Audrey) brought joy to her life. She is also survived by many cherished nieces & nephews.

Terry, as she was known to most, guided her family and balanced work with many community interests. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Francis Church. She was involved in the Democratic Town Committee as Treasurer and Secretary. She served in the NHS Alumni Association, including many years as President. She fundraised for the NHS Sports Complex project and guided many Quarterback Club scholarship efforts. She volunteered in the Naugatuck Historical Society including posts as Treasurer and Vice President. Her efforts on the Naugatuck Housing Authority Board as Chairperson kept her busy for many years. Finally, she volunteered at numerous Bean Suppers at Hillside Covenant Church and the annual Portuguese Club Festival dinners.

For many seasons, she and her husband Don enjoyed wintering over at their Barefoot Bay, Florida Beach cottage. She was known for hosting countless family holiday and birthday parties at their Fuller Street home. Everyone was welcome and outdoor volleyball and lawn games, dips in the pool, and pinochle card games were standard. Most Saturday mornings would find her baking fruit pies, blueberry muffins, brownies or banana bread for her family and guests.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 8:30 am to 9:30 at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck. At 9:30, her funeral procession will proceed to St. Francis of Assisi Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be sent to Swanson Family Scholarship c/o Naugatuck High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 474, Naugatuck or to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770.