Theresa Ann Swales King, 64, of California, Maryland formerly of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, died 23 November 2008 at her residence after a prolonged and courageous battle with breast cancer.

She was the loving wife of the late Charles King whom she married in 1993. Theresa was born on March 21, 1944 in Medley's Neck, Maryland to the late James Walter Milburn and the late Mary Elizabeth Swales.

She received her education from Banneker High School. Theresa left home at an early age and began working as a Nanny in Rockville, MD. After working as a Nanny, she began work in the private industry working as an Information Reporting Specialist at the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) in downtown Washington DC. She retired from NASD after 30 years of service.

After her retirement in 2002, she relaxed and enjoyed herself. Theresa was always on the road doing something. Her fads were shopping and traveling. Her love for shopping and traveling was matched only by her love and devotion to her family and friends. After a year or so, she decided she was having too much fun shopping and traveling and found a part time job.

She took a part-time job at a charter school in Washington, DC. She worked as a cafeteria aide helping with lunch, collecting the lunch tickets and serving the students their lunch. Many days we would talk and she would say "those kids are something else." Theresa joined the St. Bernadine of Siena Catholic Church in Suitland, Maryland in June 1997. She was appointed Secretary shortly after joining. Her limitless optimism and unshakeable faith in God were an inspiration to all who knew her. She was an active member until she became ill in April 2008. When she was diagnosed as having cancer, she didn't want anyone to know. She was a very strong and independent woman. She didn't want anyone to be burdened with her illness. After several treatments of chemotherapy, she decided that she would move back home to be closer to family. She returned to the "country" in August 2008. She had been in the city lights for so long she hardly knew how to get from one place to the other. She often said "gee wiz, these country roads get me confused."

She is survived by three children; Joseph Charles Swales of Lexington Park, MD, Sharon Yvette Williams of California MD; and Jonathan Tyrone Swales of Jacksonville, FL, three grandchildren; Destiny, Tyrone Jr. and Joseph Jr.; one sister, Mary Swales of California, MD; two brothers, Joseph Aloysius (Sundown) and John Arthur (Johnny), both of Lexington Park, MD.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; brothers; James Walter (Rock), Joseph Paul Swales (Kay) and James William Swales (Gator).

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 from 10:30 – 11:30 AM in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM with Fr. Jack Kennealy officiating. Interment will follow in the Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.