Mary Teresa Maguire, 94, of West Chester, PA, formerly of Newark, DE, the oldest child of the late Howard and Catherine Buffington, passed away following a long illness on March 26, 2024. Born in Baltimore, Maryland. Teresa graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Notre Dame College and briefly taught elementary science before marrying the love of her life, the late David B. Maguire with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. In the late 60’s they moved to Newark, DE where they raised their 5 children. Teresa was a homemaker, staying at home to raise the children. Once they were grown, she returned to school to earn her Associates Degree in Physical Therapy, and was employed by Cokesbury Village until she retired.
Teresa was an avid gardener, and took pride in the multiple gardens and plants in the yard and house. She was a skilled seamstress and often making her own clothing as well as coordinating outfits for her children. She studied multiple subjects involving health and cooking, and would pour over cookbooks for hours. She was the original “organic cook”. She was also dedicated to her faith. Going to weekly bible studies, hosting home groups and traveling with David frequently on missions’ trips to share the gospel in many countries around the world. In addition to her parents, Mary Teresa was preceded in death by her husband David and her daughter, Eileen T. Maguire.
Teresa is survived by two siblings, Howard (Lee) Buffington and A. Patricia Engler, both of Maryland, children Bruce K. Maguire (Debbie), John B. Maguire (Connie), Maura C. Maguire (Chris), and Patrick H. Maguire (Yoly); grandchildren R. Jeffrey Maguire (Jennifer), Amy Maguire, Eva Maguire, JD Maguire all of Delaware; Hope Irwin (Andrew), Faith Maguire of Pennsylvania; Aaron Maguire, Joseph Maguire, Joy Maguire and Aubrey Maguire of Florida and 3 great granddaughters.
The Maguire family would like to thank the staff at the Wellington at Hershey’s Mill as well as the Compassus Hospice for the loving care they provided Teresa. A committal service will be held Wednesday, April 10 at 11 am at the chapel in the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd. Bear, DE.,19701. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Mary Teresa’s name to the Hospice Help Fund: www.hhelpfoundation.org/donate.now
