Obituary: A Son's Refection On His Mother

Theresa Nathan, of Bethpage, passed away on July 29, 2017. She was 96.

Read the full obituary below written by her son, Robert:

A son' reflection on Mom

She lovingly nurtured us when we were small, and guided us as we grew. Her attitudes, values, hopes and dreams became a part of us. And though she is gone, her love for us remains, and always will. Mom lives on within in our hearts. Her spirit guides us still.

Let us hope the legacy of love, Mom left us, will be a source of strength and comfort for all of us forever.

Theresa Nathan was born in 1920, as the youngest daughter of four girls, to an immigrant Irish family, in Brooklyn.

She was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, and was very religious. She lived thru the great depression, attended Erasmus High School, and fell in love with her husband to be. When Pearl Harbor was bombed, her future Husband Joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and she was soon married in San Diego California, before he was deployed to the Pacific Theater of Operations, against Japan.

After World War Two, she discovered the husband she married (who had served in the invasions of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands), had suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which in those days, was not recognized, by our society. She had to manage her many (eventually 6) children, and calm down a former Marine, who woke up at night sweating/screaming, with a bayonet, and knife in his hand. With her love and understanding, this Post world war two husband became normal again.

When she entered a room she filled the air with integrity, happiness, character: and always focused on the positive. This wonderful woman, always wanted to help others, and listen to their problems, rather than her own. As devoted wife to her husband Warren, six children were raised, on a very modest budget. Core values were instilled to her offspring, and they went on to many successes. Theresa performed the most amazing acts of kindness to those who were needy, and especially sacrificed, what little money she had,to help a child in need. "You never stand so tall, as when you stoop to help a child". Theresa was the tallest person, in the life of our family.

This sainted person, left earth to be with her husband Warren, and her Sister's Mary, Rita, and Eileen; plus her Mom Bridget and father James. God certainly has a special place, for a person with as pure a heart, as hers. She was always demonstrating "Service Above Self" to others.

Everyone who met her, felt that this woman, was amazing, and special. Her love of things Irish, and Irish Wisdom, were always within easy reach. Good humor in life was her constant manner of living.