Obituary

Theresa Grace DiRodio passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52 on December 23, 2025. She was born in Washington, D.C., on June 29, 1973, the daughter of Geraldine (Josie) DiRodio and Edward DiRodio.

Theresa was raised in Maryland and moved to West Virginia at the age of 20, where she owned a small farm in Berkeley Springs with her partner of 19 years, James Hendershot, who passed away on March 22, 2022. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine DiRodio, on January 15, 2023.

Theresa’s legacy lives on through her beloved son, Thorne Gabriel Britton; her sister, Renata Rosander; her niece, Caterina (Christian) Rosander; her great-nephew, Aaron Rosander-Kolb; her aunt, Denise Fitzgerald; and her cousins, Dorothy Jean, Louis, Christine, Joseph, and Jessica.

Theresa was a woman who truly loved nature and all its wonders. She tended a stunning garden with a large sign her partner made for her birthday, lovingly titled Grace’s Garden. She cherished what she fondly called “Mother Earth” and cared deeply for the plants and animals that shared it. A walk in the woods with Theresa was always a wonderful experience, she could name every flower, bush, and berry. If something was safe to eat, she’d turn it into a jam, jelly, or even the occasional wine. Her elderberry elixir was a popular staple at the local flea market.

Theresa had a keen eye for wildlife — spotting a mouse tucked beneath the leaves, a deer in the distance, or an owl hidden high among the branches. She held a deep reverence for the beauty of the natural world, a love she passed on to those around her.

She also had a passion for rescuing homeless and unwanted cats. Theresa successfully lobbied before the Berkeley Springs and Morgan County councils for the creation of a feral cat sanctuary, which remains open to this day. Her efforts were featured in The Morgan Messenger newspaper, highlighting her dedication and success.

Her son, Thorne, lovingly remembers how she found beauty in everyday life, surrounded by nature on their six-acre farm and the animals she adored. Ducks, chickens, rabbits, and even a few hogs were part of the family, each cared for with her loving nature. Music was her constant companion. Theresa loved to sing, and her favorite songs often echoed through their home or as she drove along the country roads of West Virginia.

Theresa was a wild and wonderful soul, outgoing, caring, and endlessly generous. She would do anything she could to help someone in need, and the many lives she touched will forever miss her kindness and light.

Theresa’s remains will be laid to rest in a beautiful garden. A private celebration of her life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Six Paws Cat Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 non-profit in Berkeley Springs, WV, providing lifelong refuge and rehabilitation for farm animals and cats, focusing on permanent sanctuary but also facilitating adoptions. https://www.sixpawsfarm.org/

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.