Therese “Terry” Willcox

Therese Willcox (née Cavanaugh), 82, died peacefully surrounded by four generations of family members after a brief illness. Terry was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of Michael Francis and Therese Eleanor Cavanaugh. She graduated from Villa Maria Academy in Malvern where she boarded for many years while her father worked abroad and then received her nursing degree from Fitzgerald Mercy School of Nursing in Darby. Her nursing career began at what is now Mercy Fitzgerald Medical Center. On a snowy winter evening in 1956, one of her adoring patients insisted that his younger brother make sure she get home safely. That chance encounter with Thomas O. Willcox led to their marriage in May 1957 and a family that has grown to include five children and spouses, 16 grandchildren and two spouses, and one great-granddaughter. Two more granddaughters are to be married this year. Terry and Tom Willcox lived in Wilmington before settling in Malvern where Tom’s business was based. As they raised their young family, Terry worked in the delivery room at Bryn Mawr Hospital for several years, typically evenings or overnight shifts, so she could be with her children during the day. She subsequently worked as an office nurse for an obstetrician and later for a pediatrician. Terry has been a faithful parishioner at St. Patrick’s Parish in Malvern for more than 50 years.Terry’s passions include her grandchildren. She was a constant at their school and extracurricular activities, even traveling to see many of their collegiate sporting competitions. Her interest in children extended beyond her own as an active supporter of St. Edmond’s Home for Children for many years. An avid bridge player all of her adult life, she most recently played for Aronimink Golf Club’s team. She was also active in the Philadelphia women’s tennis community, competing and organizing league play. Terry and Tom enjoyed many summers in Avalon, NJ with their family and friends. Terry bred and raised generations of Miniature Schnauzers over nearly 30 years before breeding Golden Labrador Retrievers. She was a passionate follower of the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour stemming from hosting visiting players for, including Hall of Famer Juli Inkster.Terry is survived by four siblings—Gerald Cavanaugh (Sue), E. Robert Cavanaugh (Marilyn), Janet Regan (James) and Michele Cavanaugh (Maggie), five children—Tracy Mongan (William), Thomas Willcox (Courtenay), Michael Willcox (Alice), Robert Willcox (Ellen) and Leslie Dufour (Anthony), 16 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Her husband, Tom, died in 1999.A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Parish, 104 Channing Ave., Malvern, PA 19355 on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 11:30 am followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 to 11:15 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Women’s Auxiliary, St. Edmond’s Home for Children, 320 S. Roberts Rd., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.