Theresa McDermott McAlpine

Theresa “Tess” McAlpine, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished friend, went home to be with the Lord peacefully at the age of 92, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter and treasured memories.

Born on January 20, 1934, in Pittsburgh, PA, Tess lived in Willimantic, Connecticut, and Burlington, VT, before settling in Poughkeepsie, NY, after meeting the love of her life, Allan “Al” McAlpine. Together, Tess and Al built a beautiful life centered around their five children, and a love that endured throughout their many years together. Al predeceased Tess in 2020.

Tess was a remarkable woman who balanced raising five children with pursuing her own education and career. While caring for her growing family, she returned to school and earned her master’s degree in psychology. She also holds a CAGS in Gerontology. She went on to work for the Dutchess County Office for the Aging in New York, dedicating her professional life to helping others.

Following retirement, Tess and Al settled in Eastham, MA on Cape Cod, where they embraced a wonderful new chapter together. They enjoyed traveling, biking, spending time at the beach and volunteering for various organizations. Tess also loved playing the piano, a passion she enjoyed throughout her life.

Although she treasured these experiences, nothing brought Tess greater happiness than her family. Whether it be gathering with her children, enjoying visits with her grandchildren or simply sharing time with those she loved, family was always at the heart of her world.

In their later years, Tess and Al moved from Eastham, MA to Londonderry, NH to be closer to their family, before moving into the Arbors of Bedford.

Tess leaves behind her five beloved children: Allan McAlpine and his wife, Heidi; Brian McAlpine and his wife, Veronique; Stephen McAlpine; Carolyn and her husband, Gerald; and Robert McAlpine and his wife, Jill.

She was the proud and loving grandmother of nine grandchildren & their spouses: Ryan and his husband Omar, Amanda her husband William, Emily, Molly and her husband Ryan, Lindsay, Casey, Corbin, Jacqueline & Chase; and the great-grandmother of Will and Charlotte.

In addition to her beloved husband, Al, Tess was predeceased by her six sisters.

Tess will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her commitment to helping others and her enthusiasm for life. Her greatest legacy lives on in the family she and Al have created and the countless memories they leave behind.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Windham Terrace, The Arbors of Bedford and Brookhaven Hospice for the kindness, dignity and compassionate care they provided Tess during her final years.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, at 10:30am, at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 1 South Road, Londonderry, NH 03053. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of your choice in honor of Tess's love of volunteering. 

For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.