Theresa (Jutras) Sawchuk

Theresa Sawchuk—a loving and generous wife, sister, mother and grandmother with a generous spirit and kindhearted soul—died peacefully at her home in Colchester surrounded by her cherished family and friends on Thursday, March 21, 2024. She was 64.

Born on April 20, 1959, in Hartford, she was the beloved daughter of the late Francis G. Jutras, Jr. and Marjorie (Hall) Jutras. In her early years, Theresa’s family moved to Colchester where she enjoyed a wonderful childhood. She was a 1977 graduate of Bacon Academy where she initially met the love of her life—William “Bill” Sawchuk. They would later be reunited at the old Chestnut Lodge and afterward begin a lifetime of love and wonderful memories built around their beautiful family.

Theresa adored her family with all her heart; they were her ultimate and most treasured priority—the apples of her eye—and the ones appreciated above all others. While raising her children and caring for her home, she kept careful and meticulous bookkeeping records at the business she ran with Bill—Walt’s Country Motors. At home, Theresa was in constant motion. She found great peace welcoming guests to her home to share time with her family and entertaining them for however long they needed to stay. Christmas was the highlight of everyone’s holiday season simply because Theresa became dedicated to making it special for her family. Theresa so enjoyed being a mother that she became just that for nearly every child in Colchester, especially to Kenny, Tommy, Steve, Jeff, Dave, and Amy—all of whom called her “Mom.” Theresa knew how to let kids be kids, welcoming them with open arms to her home and pantry. And they loved her dearly for that.

In 2000, Theresa was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite periods of remission and recovery, she would later live with her cancer until her death—and live she did. With great strength and will power—rooted in the deep love she had for her friends and family—Theresa bounded through her latter years with a zest and determination to experience the world around her. She traveled frequently with her family to countless places, including memorable trips to the Outer Banks, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Disney World and Great Wolf Lodge for the grandchildren’s enjoyment. She even continued her yearly trek to Maine for the worth-the-wait hot dogs at Flo’s, enjoyed with her dear friend, Wendy—a loyal companion whose friendship Theresa kept near and dear to her heart.

Everyone fortunate to have known Theresa will feel her presence forever. She left so much of herself in this world that she can never be forgotten. A woman dedicated and deeply devoted to her family—especially her grandchildren—and her ability to share love and patience in the midst of great struggle was nothing short of amazing. She will live on eternally in all our hearts.

Theresa is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, William “Bill” Sawchuk; her two sons, Justin Sawchuk and his wife, Mikayla, and Matthew Sawchuk and his wife, Ashley; her daughter, Amanda Sawchuk; her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Nolan, Eli, Everlee, Logan, and Grayson; her mother, Marjorie Jutras; her sisters, Deborah Albaitis and Christina Magliano and her husband, Michael; her brother-in-law, Frank Curtin; many adored nieces and nephews; and numerous other friends and family she loved dearly. In addition to her father, Theresa was predeceased by brothers, Francis "Frankie" Gerard Jutras Jr., and Richard "Ricky" Parker Jutras; her sister, Denise Curtin; and her brothers-in-law, Larry Albaitis and Walt “Corky” Sawchuk. Theresa’s family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff and nurses from the Middlesex Hospice Program for all their care and unwavering support; and also her palliative care physician—Dr. Chris Yi—for his commitment to Theresa’s compassionate treatment and friendship. 

A Celebration of Theresa’s Life will be held at 12PM on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT 06415. Her family will receive friends for a visitation from 10AM to 12PM. To honor her life and legacy, guests are kindly encouraged to wear something purple in color; floral tributes sent to the funeral home should avoid having red roses. Memorial donations in Theresa’s name may be made to Middlesex Hospital’s Hospice & Palliative Care Center c/o Middlesex Health Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457.

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