Theresa Rose (Dzuryo) McNamara, 98, of Dwight, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday April 1, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 100 West Mazon Ave., Dwight, Il. 60420. A funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 P.M. also at the church. Services will conclude with burial at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dwight, Il.
Hager Memorial Home of Dwight has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Theresa was born on October 10, 1927, in Streator, Illinois, the daughter of John and Emma (Lesak) Dzuyro. She was named after both her maternal and paternal grandmothers, Theresa Dzuryo and Rose Lesak. She was united in marriage to Paul McNamara on June 18, 1949, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Streator, Il.
She is survived by her children, Paula Benjelloun of Dwight, Il., Mary Jayne (Ken) LaBahn of LaGrange, Il., Kevin McNamara of Dwight, Il., Cathy Ferguson of Gardner, Il., five grandchildren, Karim (Lauren) Benjelloun, Megan LaBahn, Patrick (Sarah) LaBahn, Kelsey Vansandt and Connor (Becca) Ferguson and seven great-grandchildren, Leo and Alex Benjelloun, Lily Rose LaBahn, Kinsley Vansandt, Cash Walker, and Beau and Ailee Ferguson. Also surviving are sister, Mary Anne McNamara, sister-in-law, Jane McNamara, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Paul McNamara, and sisters, Lucille Churney and Frances Allen.
Theresa was devoted to her faith, her family, and her community. She was a member of Blessed Trinity Parish and its Altar and Rosary Society. She was a former member of the Catholic Daughters of America, as well as St. Patrick’s Parish Council, holding the position of President at one time. She received recognition from the Peoria Diocese Council of Catholic Women for her volunteer work. Theresa also served as a CCD teacher, Mt. Olivet Cemetery Board Member, and was part of the Blessed Trinity Prayer Chain group. She was very proud of her 30+ years of service as St. Patrick’s funeral dinner coordinator.
Theresa was a proud resident of Dwight. She was a member of the Dwight Women’s Club, The Dwight Lioness Club, and was named Lioness of the year, The Dwight Historical Society, and was a volunteer at Rt. 66 Texaco Station. She also served as a Livingston County Election judge.
For years, she was known as the “Toy Lady” in downtown Dwight, working at the hardware store.
Theresa was also the District Assistant to Congressman Tim Hall.
Beyond this, her most cherished title was that of Mom, Grandma, and G.G. She lived her life defined by devotion, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to her family. Family was not just important, it was everything. She took pride in every accomplishment, and celebrated each moment with genuine happiness and love.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Theresa’s name may be made to Mt. Olivet Cemetery or the Dwight Historical Society.
Online condolences may be made to the family at calvertmemorial.com
