Mariterese Thomas

Mariterese Thomas of Atco, N.J. passed away on May 23, 2024, at the age of 62. Daughter of the late Margaret and William Hennessey and sister of the late Christopher Hennessey, Mariterese is survived by her beloved son Paul E. Thomas III, dear sister Kateri Hennessey, husband Paul E. Thomas Jr., and loving family and friends. Adopted from Incheon, South Korea at the age of three, Mariterese became a naturalized United States citizen and grew up in Gloucester City, N.J. Her roots as an adoptee remained a lifelong paramount in her self-identity. She spent her childhood in a vibrant, loving household amongst her parents, siblings, relatives, and family friends. Some of Mariterese's fondest memories from childhood include being an avid member of the local Minyo dance troupe, a group dedicated to traditional dance to Japanese folk music, visiting Japan with family friends, and participating in a myriad of extracurricular activities, including gymnastics and field hockey. Mariterese worked in a variety of industries throughout her life, beginning as a legal secretary at a law firm in Gloucester City. Her innately caring nature led her to serve as a teacher's aide in the Wa...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

ford Township School District at the elementary and preschool schools. Her longest tenure was as a certified nursing assistant at an assisted living facility in Marlton, N.J., in which many residents would request her care by name. Mariterese's motherly, nurturing instincts shined through in everything she did, not only with her work caring for children and the elderly but in her unending devotion to family. Mariterese would go to the ends of the earth to ensure the needs of her family and son were met and that they knew how much they were cared for. The warmth and compassion she shared with those around her will never be forgotten, and the love she gave will always live in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known her. Mariterese will be forever loved and missed. There will be a visitation from 9:45 am to 10:45 am on Thursday, May 30 at Christ The Redeemer Parish, Assumption Church, 315 Carl Hasselhan Dr, Atco, NJ 08004. A memorial mass to honor the life and memory of Mariterese will follow at 11 am. The burial will take place at New Saint Mary's Cemetery in Bellmawr, N.J.