NATICK: Theresa A. (Kelly) “Terri” Crespi, 87, passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was born on January 28, 1934 in Tewksbury.
Terri is predeceased by her husband Charles J. Crespi of Natick. She was the loving mother to her son Frank and his wife Sandi of Natick, her daughter Karen Clougher of Natick, her son Chuck and his wife June of Quincy, her daughter Lyn Crespi and her husband Tim Harrison of Tennessee, her daughter Gayle Soma and her husband Andrew of Natick, and her son Neal and his wife Meredith of Hingham. Nana leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Terri graduated from Saint Bernard’s Catholic High School in Newton. Shortly after high school she met and married the love of her life, Charlie. After a brief residence in Waltham, Terri and Charlie moved to Natick to raise their ever-growing family. While raising six children mom embarked on her career in restaurant management. Mom’s family and career led to her true passion to mentor, help others and create lasting friendships across many different ages, ethnicities or even countries. Mom’s family was never big enough for her so hosting exchange students and opening her door to a stranger was easy. Many of the women mom influenced during her career became life-long friends and an inclusive part of our family.
Mom was active in the Natick Community while involved in many different organizations, whether it was the Cub Scouts or Women’s Club fashion shows or Town Meeting, she was always willing to volunteer her time. Her incredible thirst for learning throughout life led to her graduating with honors from Mass Bay at the age of 61 years old. After retiring, mom became an ESL Teacher for the Literacy Unlimited Program of Massachusetts; volunteered at the Natick Service Council; and the ABCD Food Pantry in Boston’s North End. Her dream of living in the city where she could volunteer, befriend people from all walks of life, visit museums, or catch a show all within a short walk was realized when she moved to the North End at the age of 80!
Mom had a desire for adventure. She loved to travel – Italy, India, Cyprus – to name a few. Her happiest times were spent with friends and family – meeting for lunch; adventuring out for the day on a new excursion; on a field cheering at a sporting event; attending a school concert; or having a tea and cookie party with her grandchildren filled many days with joy.
Mom’s final wish to continue her mission of always caring and giving to others was to make an anatomical gift to Harvard Medical School. On Thursday August 19, 2021 we were very proud for mom as that wish was granted and we can all congratulate Mom, YOU WERE ACCEPTED TO HARVARD!
Mom will be dearly missed and never wanted anyone to “fuss” over her. To celebrate mom’s life relatives and friends are asked to follow her passion for accepting, caring, and helping others. Please walk in mom’s footsteps to carry on her legacy: fill your days with acts of kindness; step out of your comfort zone to help a stranger in need; have a life full of learning; and never lose your sense of adventure.
A private funeral mass was held. Terri will be interred with Charlie at Bourne National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Salmon VNA & Hospice, 37 Birch Street, Milford, MA 01757.