1941 - 2025
Born in Akron, Ohio on April 10, 1941, Therese was the daughter of the late Francesco and Daisy May (Easterday) Caracciolo. Her early years in Stow, Ohio shaped the foundation of her warm, faith-filled personality. She later graduated from St. Vincent High School in Akron before eventually settling in Franklin, a town she called home for more than six decades.
Therese’s work ethic and dedication were evident throughout her career. She spent many years at the former Franklin Sentinel, later bringing her skills and professionalism to her role as an executive administrative assistant at Zymark Corporation in Hopkinton.
Her greatest contributions, however, were felt in her community and parish. Therese was a lifelong active parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin, where she volunteered in many roles, most notably as a Eucharistic minister and lector. Her compassion also extended into her volunteer service with the Livestrong program at the Franklin YMCA for ten years, and she enjoyed friendship and fellowship as a member of a women’s golf league and the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Family was central to Therese’s life. She is survived by her five children:
Ann Mannix and her husband Jack of Bonita Springs, Florida; Michele Gervais and her husband Normand of Sandwich; Timothy Shannon of Lewiston, Maine; Lisa Flaherty and her husband John of Wrentham; and Gregory Shannon and his wife Karen of Bellingham; along with twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her tremendous pride and joy.
She is also survived by her siblings: Joanne Barker, Joseph Caracciolo, Rita Smith, Helen Bevington, Frank Caracciolo, Bernadette Carver, and David Caracciolo, as well as many nieces and nephews whose lives were brightened by her care and generosity.
Therese was predeceased by her daughter Eileen Shannon, her daughter-in-law Ann Shannon, and siblings Rosalee Duckworth, Francesca Strader, Anthony Caracciolo, George Caracciolo, and Catherine Lippert.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin on Thursday, December 18 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 17 from 4–7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main St. in Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, expression of sympathy may be made in Therese’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
