Theresa D. Ogonowski Obituary (1928 - 2023)

Theresa (Dawidowicz) Ogonowski, age 94, a longtime resident of Dracut, peacefully passed away on 15 June 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Alexander Ogonowski, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage until his passing in 2015. Theresa was born in Haverhill, MA to Jan and Helena (Szurlej) Dawidowicz. She graduated from Haverhill High School, class of 1946, and went to work on the Dawidowicz family farm as well as Bensons Hospital in Haverhill, MA. In 1948, Theresa married Alexander Ogonowski, and together they raised five children on their beloved 100-acre hay farm. Theresa cherished her roles of wife, mother, and farmer. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to caring for others, nurturing friendships, and taking on the role of caretaker. After raising her own family, she lovingly welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren into her care. Theresa enjoyed traveling and exploring various parts of the United States and visiting many countries. She and her husband, Alex, enjoyed attending the annual Farm Bureau conventions. Theresa also enjoyed photography and documented the family through cherished photos and 8MM home movies. Active in her community, Theresa held memberships in various organizations including the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, Dracut Grange #216, and the Dracut Historical Society. She served as a 4-H leader and was a longtime volunteer at the Lowell Folk Festival. Theresa was a devout Catholic and an active member of the Holy Trinity Church in Lowell, MA. Theresa's life was touched by profound tragedy when her son, Captain John Ogonowski, the pilot of American Airlines Flight 11, tragically lost his life on September 11, 2001. In memory of their son, Theresa and her husband established a University of Massachusetts, Lowell ROTC Scholarship, which annually awards deserving Air Force ROTC cadets. Theresa will be deeply missed by her children: daughter, Lt Col Dolores Quigley USAF (ret), and her husband, Lt Col Hale Quigley, USAF (ret) of Pensacola FL; daughter, Carol Ogonowski of Dracut; son, Lt Col James Ogonowski, USAF (ret), and his wife Kathleen of Dracut; son Joseph Ogonowski and his wife Inez of Newport, MI; daughter-in-law, Margaret Ogonowski Hatch; brother-in-law, Albert Ogonowski, DDS, of Dracut. Theresa also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Christine, Laura, Charles, Caroline, Catherine, Mary, Alexander and Alanna as well as ten great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Amelia, James, Sarah, Anna, Harrison, Mary, Luke, Thomas, Travis. Additionally, Theresa is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Alexander; her son, Captain John Ogonowski, pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 on September 11, 2001; her brother Walter Davidowicz and his wife Blanche Davidowicz of Haverhill, MA. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 3pm to 6pm at DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave, DRACUT. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 oclock at Holy Trinity Parish, 340 High St., LOWELL. Interment will follow in Holy Trinity Polish Cemetery, 155 Boston Rd., LOWELL. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Theresas name to the charity of your choice, UMASS Lowell ROTC Scholarship (gifts may be mailed to: UMASS Lowell Wannalanancit Business Center, Attention John Ogonowski Endowment, 600 Suffolk Street, Suite 160, Lowell, MA 01854) or to the Holy Trinity Polish Church, 340 High Street, Lowell, MA 01852. Service Details Visitation When June 20, 2023 3:00pm - 6:00pm Location Dracut Funeral Home Address 2159 Lakeview Avenue Dracut, MA 01826 Interment When June 21, 2023 Location Holy Trinity Polish Cemetery Address 155 Boston Road Lowell, MA 01852 Funeral Mass When June 21, 2023 Location Holy Trinity Polish Church Address 340 High Street Lowell, MA 01852