Theresa Ross Ghabrial

Theresa Ross Ghabrial of Manchester passed peacefully into heaven on September 29, 2025. Theresa, daughter of the late John and Lucille Ross, was born on July 6, 1940 in Waterbury, CT. She graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Master of Science in Special Education at Central Connecticut State University.

Theresa is survived by her husband, Dr. Sobhy Labib Ghabrial, her three children and their spouses, Laila and Peter Haswell, David and Jennifer Ghabrial, and Christine and Don Sauer, and her seven beloved grandchildren, Donny Sauer, Caitlin Sauer, Laila Nellie Ghabrial, Meg Haswell, Norah Haswell, John Ghabrial and Ethan Ghabrial. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Ross of Wolcott. She is predeceased by her sister Mary Ross Gagliardi, her sisters-in-law Carol Ross, Mona Ghabrial, and Laila Ghabrial, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Zaki and Christine Ghabrial.

Theresa was an educator, teaching French and Biology to middle school and high school students. After earning her master’s degree in 1991, she dedicated her time to teaching children with special needs. Theresa volunteered with the Manchester Area Conference of Churches for many years, including serving as president in 1997. She also was the office manager for her husband’s pediatric practice for many years.

She met her husband Sobhy on a transatlantic crossing, a story that has become legend in her family. Theresa and Sobhy continued to travel the world together throughout their marriage. Theresa also enjoyed bird watching from her back deck and planting flowers in her garden on McDivitt Drive. She was the undisputed family champion of Trivial Pursuit and an avid “Jeopardy!” fan.

Theresa relished spending time with her grandchildren and was a powerful role model for them. Joyous laughter from her witty remarks permeated all family gatherings.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Manchester Funeral Home, 142 East Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040. A funeral mass will be held the following morning on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester, CT, 06042. Burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery on Broad Street in Manchester. To leave an online condolence please visit Manchester Funeral Home at www.manchesterfh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the MACC Charities at macc-ct.org.