Theresa Cavell Mahar

Theresa Cavell Mahar was a free-spirit trapped in a practical body!

Born in Tokyo in 1951, she traveled from Asia to Europe and then the United States where she settled in the Pacific Northwest. Her passions included God the Father, Son and especially the Holy Spirit; she passed peacefully at home to join her mom and daddy in Heaven on Sept. 30, 2017.

She is survived by her daughter Jenny, sister Alice, grandchildren Cody, Hunter and Quinn, great-granddaughter Delilah and her nieces and nephews Catheleen, Eddie, Megan, Tommy, Cameron, Billy, Cole, Audrey, Enola, Lenna and Max. Professionally, Theresa's answer to each problem that arose was to work harder! Throughout her life, she was a tenacious advocate for those more vulnerable due to developmental disabilities, mental health issues or substance misuse.

While her practical work ethic "paid the bills," her artsy self emerged as a creator of "girlies" dedicated to those she loved, and those who were smart enough to get one from shops in Long Beach or Cheney. She was a beach roamer who gathered stray glass, sand dollars and drift wood to make them new again. And as she said, she will keep in touch as "the breath of wind against our cheeks" when we least expect to hear from her.

Services will be held at St. Rose's Catholic Church in Cheney, Wash. Rosary will be on Friday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. and mass on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 11 a.m.; reception to follow in the church hall.

Memorials may be given to the Washington Coast NAMI, Newman Center at EWU, and the Salvation Army. As Theresa said, "you'll get your reward in Heaven."