Obituary of Mary Theresa Dundas

Mary Theresa (Driscoll) Dundas of Duxbury, beloved wife of the late Robert Edmond Dundas, died at home surrounded by family on May 24, 2018 at the age of 89.  Theresa was born in Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland on July 25, 1928 to John and Margaret Driscoll née Cronin.  She was raised on a farm overlooking Inchydoney Beach with her siblings Joseph, James, John, Michael, Thomas, Gerald, and Margaret who have all predeceased her. Theresa walked 8 miles to and from school every day with her siblings across the causeway; a bike or a donkey and cart were the family’s only other transportation into town. Sheremembered collecting shellfish along the beach with her father fondly; she remembered schooling under the watch of the nuns much less so.  Her spirited nature helped her face the daily challenges of growing up in rural Ireland, and also brought her at age 19 to head to Boston alone. Life in America was very different but she embraced it with the sense of adventure she retained her whole life, starting with weekend train rides to NYC to favorite dance halls. She met her husband Robert in Boston and they spent the next 45 years raising a family and travelling. They settled in Duxbury 40 years ago – where Theresa again enjoyed regular beach walks collecting shells, often with her faithful companion Casey, her Corgi that rarely left her side. 

Theresa had a love of animals, birds, gardening, dancing, and music; and she looked forward to her annual trip to Symphony Hall for the Celtic Sojourn Christmas Concert. Her love of people led her into the field of nursing. Her energy and laughter made better the lives of the many nursing home residents she cared for over the years. 

Theresa also loved traveling, and would proudly share that she was a farm girl from Ireland that had travelled across the equator. She said hello to everyone, and even on vacations would run into people who remembered her from a casual meeting or conversation. She always wore a little sparkle, and brought a little sparkle – she looked for fun and made everyone laugh.

Theresa lived at home throughout her illness, made possible by the loving attention and encouraging care of her many irreplaceablecaregivers including Laurel, Helena, Liz, Roli and Jen.

Theresa was the devoted mother of: Patrick Dundas of Duxbury, MA; Karen Dundas of Duxbury and NYC; Mary Dundas of Centerville, MA; Eithne Dundas (Mark Endresen) of Duxbury, MA;and Imelda Dundas (Nathaniel Smith), of Kingston MA.  She also leaves behind her four cherished granddaughters: Monica Joyce (Toby), Caroline Dundas, Tessa and Emmeline Endresen, as well as five great-grandchildren: Josiah, Samuel, Mabel, Hayden, and Dylan. Theresa is survived by her sister-in-law Elizabeth Driscoll,and many adored nieces and nephews.

A celebratory Mass will take place on Wednesday, May 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont St., Duxbury, MA  02332, with visiting hours in the chapel from 10:00-11:00 a.m. A reception will be held after the service. Contributions in Theresa’s memory may be made to this remarkable organization:

Cranberry Hospice

c/o Philanthropy Office 
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth
275 Sandwich Street
Plymouth, MA 02360.