Obituary of Theresa Kish

Theresa Kish transitioned to eternal tranquility, rest and peace on her 94th birthday, August 22, 2024. She was surrounded by family in the comfort of her own home. She was born Theresa Elizabeth Guenin in 1930 in Atlanta, GA to Herbert Franklin Guenin Sr. and Veronica Marguerite (Meehan) Guenin. Theresa was pre-deceased by her parents, husband Andrew Sr, brothers Herbert Jr, Larry, and Donald, her sisters Veronica (Sis) and Rita (Willmott), as well as beloved brother- and sister-in-law, Guy and Dorothy Wetmore. Prior to her family settling in Stamford, Theresa (the youngest of six) lived in New Britain and Noroton Heights where she attended her beloved Baker School before graduating from Darien High School in 1948. Upon graduation, she worked for Home Bank and Trust in Darien, where she met her future husband Andrew W. Kish, a home builder at the time. They married in 1963 and moved into the house Andy custom built for them in Norwalk. When Andy passed away 42 years later in 2005, the house felt somewhat empty. Theresa still loved the house and asked her son to make sure she never went into “a home” because “This is my home.” Luckily, she was able to spend her final years in the comfort of the home she treasured so much and which was now filled with lasting love and joyful memories. It is said that “a home is where the heart is”, and “a home is just a house until it’s filled with love” and that is certainly the case here. Together, Andy and Terry successfully owned and operated Kish Travel Agency and Kish Real Estate in Norwalk for many years. Throughout their years together, Andy and Theresa traveled extensively to places such as Alaska, Ireland, Hungary, Denmark, Singapore, Spain, Australia, Hawaii and China. They found inspiration, joy and a greater appreciation for life through the people they met on their journeys. They enjoyed learning and experiencing various customs and cultures. Theresa was a member of St. Matthews Church and the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she built lasting memories and lifelong friendships with many of the people she met. She loved nature, the smell of fresh air - especially at the beach, the warmth of sunshine, the pitter-patter of rain drops, watching trees dance as they’re caressed by the wind, and the landscape blanketed by snow. It was all beautiful to her. She loved all of God’s creations and was a true animal lover, especially those with feathers or fur. No morning was complete without a cup of tea and birdwatching. Those close to her may recall when she rescued an orphaned baby deer bringing it into her home (literally) to care for it until it could be relocated to a sanctuary. Above all else, she loved being surrounded by family and those she loved. Nothing brought more joy or brought a bigger smile to her face. She cherished that time and loved hearing and sharing stories, as well as creating new memories for others. No family gathering was complete without her baked beans, which no doubt have become part of family legend. Theresa was always upbeat and always had a positive word to share, always doing her ‘good deed for the day’. Anyone who knew her, knew that you didn’t have to be blood to be family. Her home and, more importantly, her heart was open to all. Anyone that was lucky enough to know her as an acquaintance or friend, could have just as easily considered or called her their aunt, mother, grandmother or sister. Regardless of how she was known, she will be missed. Theresa is survived by her son Drew (Andrew Jr.), daughter-in-law Carrie and grandson Cole as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 29, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 30, at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.