Therese R. Tardiff

Therese R. Tardiff
October 23, 1931 – August 29, 2025

Therese R. Tardiff, 93, of Springvale, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on Friday, August 29, 2025.

She was born on October 23, 1931, in Sanford, one of twelve children of Leo and Olive (Bouchard) Vallee. Therese grew up in Sanford and attended St. Ignatius School. She was employed at Sanford Dress Shop and later at Tenneford Weaving, where she worked for 31 years before retiring in 1993.

In 1949, she married the love of her life, Robert A. Tardiff, and together they raised four children and shared 46 years of marriage until his passing in 1995.

A devout Catholic, Therese was a member of St. Ignatius Church until its closing and then Holy Family Church and was a proud member of the Ladies of St. Anne. She gave generously of her time, volunteering for many years at the St. Ignatius Thrift Shop and food pantry, and was also active with the Trafton Senior Center, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fire Department, and the Red Hat Society.

For over 60 years, Therese cherished her home on Square Pond, where she made many lifelong friends and memories. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, crafting, and cooking—her custard pie, sugar rolls, and potato salad were legendary. She loved playing cards with friends, especially “Scat” She also enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Jamaica, Banff, Florida, and the Grand Canyon.

Therese was compassionate and caring, always the first to bring a dish to a family in need. She was accepting everyone, fun-loving, and often the life of the party, making others laugh without even trying. Her greatest joy came from her family, her garden, her friends, and sharing a good meal.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Lodges Health Care, who provided excellent care, companionship, and affection, giving her the nickname “TT,” and to the staff of Wentworth Hospice for their kindness and support.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert A. Tardiff, and several of her siblings.

She leaves behind her children, Robert Tardiff and his wife Candace of Sanford, Thomas Tardiff of Acton, Linda Martel and her partner Bruce Graybeard of Shapleigh, and Anne and Jack Garnsey of Springvale; a sister, Jeannine Vallee of Sanford; brothers, Raymond Vallee and his wife Jackie of Sanford, and Roger Vallee of Sanford; her cherished grandchildren, Jim Martel and his wife Kim of Gorham, Paul Martel and his wife Carrie of Acton, Matt Tardiff and his wife Rebecca of Durham, NH, Dan Tardiff and his wife Katie of Massachusetts, Amy Martin and her husband Jay of Lebanon, Ellie Sosik and her husband Ryan of South Carolina, Jenna Fortier and her husband Ryan of Springvale, and John Garnsey of Springvale; as well as eleven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Sophie, Faith, Emelia, Edwin, Everett, Adeline, Callahan, Sullivan, Emersyn, and Brody. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Black Heald and Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 5, at 10:00 AM at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue, Sanford.

Therese will be remembered for her faith, her boundless love for family and friends, and the joy she brought into every gathering. Her legacy of kindness, laughter, and devotion will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.