Theresa Ryder

Theresa Ryder (Poirier), 91 of Pepperell, MA (formerly Westford, MA) passed away peacefully at her home on October 2, 2024. 

She was the beloved wife of the late Alfred James Ryder for 62 years until his passing in May 2016. 

Theresa was born in Dracut, MA, daughter of the late Armand Poirier and Emma Noro, and predeceased by eight sisters and two brothers.

Theresa was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She cherished family time, summers in Rhode Island with her children, music, and singing. She was lovingly, “Meme” to a group of grandkids who treasured their trips to Sully’s for ice cream, Ashby Falls, and Tony and Ann’s Pizza in the “parlour room”. She loved to attend her great grandchildren’s sporting events and was their biggest cheerleader. Sunday car rides, filling bellies with her delicious beef stew and buttered bread, watching football with family were her favorite things. They loved being served her gourmet food. 

Her surviving family includes her children Bruce Ryder and Kimberly, Timothy Ryder and Gerianne, Melinda Zitta and Robert, Cindy Schoorens and Michael, and Tammy Kasidakos. Her grandchildren Jessica and Jeff, Sarah and Eric, Nicolas and Ashley, Dimitri and Emily, Kate and Arnold, Danny, Alyssa and Andrew, and Cody and MacKenzie. Her great grandchildren, Bridget, Nolan, Finley, August, Judah, Jett, Levi, Selah, Jackson, Kensley, and Camden. 

In accordance with Theresa’s wishes, services will be private.