CONOVER, N.C. - Theresa Dalbey, 81, of Conover passed away peacefully in her home on August 10, 2024.

She was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, as Theresa Claire Groux to her parents, Robert and Rhea on May 10, 1943, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband, Harold Dalbey; children Darryl Cunningham and Cheryl Emerson; grandchildren Timothy Hoke and Victoria Cunningham; Lisa, Will, Russell, and Carrie Emerson; great-grandchildren Robert and Abby, Raymond and Vivienne, Amelia and Ella Emerson; and her sisters, Suzanne Frazier and Connie Miller.

Theresa was known to be spunky, stubborn, and sagacious. She raised show-dogs for many years, and loved boxers in particular—the droolier the better. Theresa was also known for her craft skills. A skilled seamstress and “hooker” (crocheter), she regularly crocheted Afghans and prayer shawls for family, friends, and senior centers. She was an avid traveler, baker, gardener, and Rams fan, but her favorite role was “Grandma.”

In 2003, Theresa moved cross country from Redding, California to North Carolina to help her daughter, Cheryl, raise her two-sets of twins. She became the light of her grandchildren’s lives, always obeying Cheryl’s rule of having “something green on the table.” More often than not, that something green was green M&Ms.

She will be remembered fondly for her sense of humor and enduring love of her family and her dogs.

A memorial service to celebrate Theresa’s life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton. Rev. Michael Geml will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 3-4 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to Catawba County Animal Services, 201 Government Services Dr., Newton, NC 28658

Condolences may be sent to the Dalbey family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Dalbey family.