Theresa Yash

Theresa “Terry” Yash, a cherished soul known for her unwavering faith, creative spirit, and generous nature, was called to her heavenly home on October 17, 2025, at the age of 98. Born on August 4, 1927, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Terry lived a life marked by love, service, and artistic expression.

Terry was the beloved wife of the late Andrew Yash, and together they lived in Stratford, CT and built a family foundation of strength and compassion. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Kevin and Mark Yash, and her late daughter, Kathy Yash. Her love extended to her daughter-in-law, Maureen Yash, and her cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth Baker (and her husband, Kyle Baker) and Kimberly Yash. The light of her life shone brightly upon her great-granddaughter, Lily Baker, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Though her parents William Pekar and Margaret Varga Pekar and her siblings Margaret Hovanec, Rita Batchelor, Ceil Pieger, Michael, John, George, and Bill Pekar, all predeceased her, the legacy of their close-knit family endures.

A graduate of St. John Nepomucene Commercial High School, Terry honed her office skills, which served her well in her roles as a homemaker, a retail store clerk at Bradlees, and an office clerk at General Electric. Her work ethic and dedication were matched only by her commitment to her faith and community.

Terry’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devout member of the Holy Name of Jesus Church and the Ladies Guild. She found great joy in baking for church bake sales, decorating the Virgin Mary Statue for the annual May crowning event and was a dedicated Cadet Girl Scout Troop Leader at the church. Her service extended beyond her church community, as she contributed her talents to the Linus Project, creating quilts for the children of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and knitted hats for premature infants at Yale New Haven Hospitals.

An artist in every sense of the word, Terry expressed her creativity through painting, stained glass, quilting, and seamstress work. Her hands were rarely still, baking nut and poppy seed cakes and preparing delectable treats for her family’s holiday gatherings. Her skills as a baker, quilter and seamstress brought joy to many. An avid golfer, Terry enjoyed the camaraderie and challenge of the women’s golf league.

Terry’s legacy is one of thoughtfulness, creativity, and wisdom. She lived her life as a testament to her values, touching the hearts of many through her kindness and her artistic gifts. As we bid farewell, we celebrate the profound impact she made on her family, her church, and her community.

To celebrate Terry’s life, A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1950 Barnum Av, Stratford, CT on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 10:30AM. Friends may greet the family at 10:00 AM in the church, prior to the service. Memorial Contributions may be made in Terry’s name to Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stratford.