Theresa J. (Jeznach) Ryder, of West Boylston, 96, formerly of Worcester, died Monday, March 4, 2024 in the UMass-Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Her husband of 53 years John J. “Jack” Ryder died in 2005. 

Theresa, leaves her children: Mary A. Ryder, Eileen T. Potvin (Roy), John J. “Jack” Ryder Jr. (Karen), Kathleen M. Wall (Sean) with whom she lived, and Michael F. Ryder (Deborah); twenty grandchildren: Katie, Kelly, Lori, Anderson, Thomas, Erin, Elizabeth, Sean, Colleen, Brian, Kristine, Patrick, Michael, Brendan, Jack, Bridget, Kaleigh, Kevin, Courtney and Daniel; six great-grandchildren: Conor, Jonathan, James, Ayla, Isabelle, and Avirey, with three more great-grandchildren on the way. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.

She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Stanislaw and Franczeska (Matejkowska) Jeznach. She is predeceased by her three brothers, Chester Jeznach, Edward Jeznach, Raymond Jeznach, and her three sisters Stasia Midura, Irene Mrugala, Jane Richinick.

Theresa graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester. She was a former member and volunteer at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. 

Prior to her marriage to Jack, she worked at Crompton & Knowles.

Theresa was a woman of deep Catholic faith, and loved her family. She enjoyed crocheting afghans for her family. She was a loving Nana who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

The funeral is Saturday, March 9th, from the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, with a Catholic Mass at 10 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. Burial will be in Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Friday, March 8th from 5 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.