Teresa Cecelia Brakefield

Teresa Cecelia Brakefield (nee McGuirk), of Cuba, MO, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024 at the age of 94. Beloved wife of the late Harry Brakefield; cherished daughter of the late George and Bridget McGuirk; devoted mother of Rose Marie (the late Richard) Walters, Anthony (Christina) Brakefield and Cynthia (Donald) DuBois; loving grandmother of Jamie (Matthew) Brennan, Ryan Brakefield (Crystal Callaway), Clayton (Maxine) Laramie, Colin Laramie (Brittany Mayfield), Stephanie (Ivan III) Diaz, Jon (Kelly) Brakefield, Caity Rose (Don) Kuhn and James (Katelin) DuBois; treasured great grand-mother of Jameson, Mattilyn, Makenna, Leah, Bryce, Laura, Jeffrey, Grace, Devin, Ivan IV, Maeleia, Everett, Brighton, Zoey, Sawyer and one on the way; dear sister of Thomas (Joyce) McGuirk and John (Norma) McGuirk; Teresa is preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Wilson, Lily Taylor, Anna Marie McGuirk, George McGuirk, Vincent McGuirk, Patrick McGuirk, James McGuirk, Anthony McGuirk, Joseph McGuirk and daughter-in-law Chris (Kline) Brakefield. 

Teresa was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Harry, with whom she met in childhood and shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. 

Teresa embodied kindness and gentleness. She had a great passion for life that was evident in her love of music, dancing, singing, gardening, and cooking. 

She retired from a successful 35 year career in the dry cleaning industry where she was known for her hard work and dedication. 

Family was at the heart of Teresa's life. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured holidays, especially St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and Christmas, when the family would come together to celebrate with her. Teresa had an incredible impact on everyone who knew her, always shining as a beacon of light. She was classy and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was ahead of her time, and her selflessness and sympathetic nature touched countless lives. 

In 1963, Harry and Teresa purchased property at Indian Lake in Cuba, MO. They built an A-frame and officially retired there in 2004. She was a member of the Indian Lake Ladies Auxiliary and took immense pride in being part of the lake community. 

Teresa came from humble beginnings and never lost sight of the importance of helping those in need. She was always ready to lend a hand, showing unparalleled kindness and generosity. 

Teresa was a warrior until the end. Her legacy of love, compassion, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

She will be dearly missed but forever remembered by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched. 

Memorials may be made in Teresa's name to Indian Lake Ladies Auxiliary (ILLA) or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.