Theresa M. Orth's Obituary
Theresa M. Orth (nee Smith), of Maple Shade, NJ, passed away on June 4th, 2025, at the age of 95.
Born to the late Joseph and Mary (nee McBride) Smith on January 27th, 1930, in Philadelphia, PA. Theresa is the beloved younger sister of the late Marie Mino. Growing up, the family spent quality time together sledding during the winter months and enjoying visits from their extended family in Nova Scotia, Canada. Theresa attended Frankford High School until transferring to business school where she learned practical skills and professionalism in the workforce. As a young woman, Theresa developed a strong work ethic that she carried with her throughout her life, working at Lit Brothers in Philadelphia to medical records clerk in Moorestown, NJ. While working, she met the late Lloyd Orth (2013). The pair became inseparable, marrying on November 16th, 1968, spending a loving 44 years together before Lloyd’s passing.
Growing up in a loving home, Theresa knew she wanted a loving family of her own. Her wishes came true when she became the beloved mother of Thomas (Evelyn) Flatley, James (Mary Ann) Flatley, the late Joseph (Mary) Flatley, Diane (Rolf) Benninghoven, and Christine (Jonathan) Rothberg. Theresa loved being their mom and being able to create memories the way her own parents did for her. Her children fondly remember Theresa’s many meatloaf dinners and her famous Tupperware pickles. As a family they spent many weekends having BBQ’s, spending the evenings watching the Phillies games, and singing the songs of The Sound of Music throughout the house.
Theresa’s world became much brighter when she became the Mom-Mom to her beloved grandchildren, the late Stephen (2021), James (Ly), Meghan, Brenna (Chris), Catarina (Tim), and Theresa, as well as becoming GiGi to her great-grandchildren, Jude, Liam, Fraiser, and Thorin. Theresa loved having the little ones around filling the home with laughter, often offering to babysit or give parenting advice whenever her children needed it. Theresa’s love for her family was fierce, she was the original tiger mom, willing to do anything to protect her family. Theresa’s love for her family was widely known, as well as her infamous glare, which became lovingly known as “The Look” in the family if someone wasn’t doing the right thing.
When Theresa was not spending time with her family, she could be found reading her mystery novels, attending mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Moorestown, NJ, or shopping at her favorite stores, Boscov’s and QVC. She loved the Philadelphia Phillies, listening to her favorite music such as Glen Miller, Louis Armstrong, Josh Groban, and Ella Fitzgerald, and had a sweet tooth for all desserts. Theresa also had a love of new experiences, whether it was a new restaurant or shopping center, she wanted to be one of the first to try it out.
Theresa will be remembered fondly for her charismatic, cheerful personality, her generosity, and her devotion to her family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Wounded Warriors Project.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Theresa’s viewing on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Givnish Funeral Homes, located at 600 E. Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ, 08052. Theresa’s Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, located at 1603 Marne Highway, Hainesport, NJ 08036, at 11am. Theresa will be reunited with her parents in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Langhorne, PA, immediately following mass.
In honor of Theresa, the family kindly requests that those attending the service wear something purple as a tribute.
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