Teresa "Tess" Honan

Teresa “Tess” Honan, 91, passed away on Sunday, February 2nd, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born July 18th, 1933 in Cooraclare, County Clare, Ireland to Sean and Bridget Morrissey.

Tess is survived by her five children William Honan (Karen), Maura McGuinness (Seamus), Geri Robinson (Frank), John Honan (Diane), and Tara McCormack (Tom); eleven grandchildren Ashling, Bevin, Meghan, Ben, Erin, Kerry, Liam, Morgan, Brenna, Charlie, and Kaleigh; great grandchild Maeve Teresa; brothers John and Martin, sisters Josephine, Pauline, Philomena, Carmel, and Nancy; and countless nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She is predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Liam Honan; brothers Tom and Michael, and sisters Maureen, Bernadette, and Nancy.

After completing nursing school in Dublin, Tess immigrated to the United States, where she began her career. On a trip home, she crossed paths with her childhood neighbor and crush, Liam Honan. They married in New York City and started their family in Clifton, New Jersey. Tess worked as a nurse at Hackensack Medical Center for over 40 years, helping countless patients regain their strength and health.

In 1999, Tess and Liam retired to Surfside Beach, South Carolina, where they made wonderful friends, developed a love for golf, and hosted their grandchildren each summer. Tess and Liam returned to Ireland each year to visit family and spend time with their many nieces and nephews.

Tess was an avid walker known for rushing her beloved dogs around the neighborhood. She loved to bake, flip pancakes for her grandchildren on the weekends, and more than anything, she loved to read. She was passionate about her catholic faith and spent many afternoons volunteering for the church.

In her final days, Tess moved back to New Jersey to be surrounded by the love and care of her family. Even as her other memories wavered, she remembered the strength of her love for them. Her dedication to her family will be felt for generations to come.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, February 20th at 10am at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manaquan, NJ.