Theresa Rose Presser
Theresa Rose Presser passed on peacefully from this life on July 6th, 2021 at Bon Secours Maria Manor in St.Peterburg, Florida at the age of 76. Theresa is survived by her son Charles Presser Jr., daughter Jennifer Gies, granddaughter Emily Presser, grandson Matthew Gies, and many dear Floridian nieces, nephews, and their children. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years Charlie.
Theresa was born January 11th, 1945 to Rose Pontillo and John Kurtzenacker. She was raised by her Uncle Joe and Aunt Genevieve Festa along with their children Nettie, Rose, and Catherine on Chelene road in Norwalk. It was here she met her forever best friend Diane (chicken delight), living right across the street. She married Charles Presser in 1972, settled in Norwalk and had two children.
Theresa knew what it meant to work hard and never took a single thing in life for granted. Her first job was at the Supreme Slipper factory. She worked for St.Philip parish as church/rectory caretaker and was recognized by the Bishop of Bridgeport for her 28 years of service to the Church in 2010. She loved setting up the church for services, organizing the Christmas fairs, and having fun with her friends Debbie and Jeanne. A born teacher, she taught catechism for many years and instilled her love of teaching in her granddaughter Emily who is now a teacher. Theresa was also a crossing guard and avidly volunteered in any way she could.
When not working, Theresa had a gift and passion for crafts, craft shows, shopping with Diane, Olive Garden, plants, and Tinkerbell. A true animal lover at heart, Theresa would spoil pets whenever possible like feeding her granddog Max a whole bag of dog treats for dinner! He will always love her for that! She loved her sweets and black licorice candy. Even as she got older my brother would have to keep her stocked with Little Debbie cakes! She was known for her fun games with all the kids and never gave socks or underwear as holiday gifts (Melissa and Jimmy).
Theresa was a wife, mother, stepmother, aunt, grandmother, a second mother to some, a babysitter to all, and a true friend to many. She was amazing at making the world a slightly better place everyday, touching everyone she met in a different way. She will be forever in our hearts.
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday July 12th at Veterans Funeral Care Chapel 830 North Belcher Road, Clearwater Florida. Family and friends may arrive at 1130 am. Service will begin at 1 pm. The family would like to convey special thanks and gratitude to all the staff at Bon Secours Maria Manor, Suncoast Hospice North County, and Elona Needle for your dedication and care of our beloved mother. A second memorial service will be held in Connecticut on August 21th, 11 am at St.Philip church with a lunch reception to follow.
Aunt Theresa, I will miss you dearly. You will be remembered in my prayers and thought as I think about all the great times we shared. I owe you so much and I thank you for all you have done for Tacy and I. You loved all of our family and we loved you and will for always. God really made a special person when he made you.
With that being said I was truly blessed to have you for my aunt……Your niece always, Antoinette
P. S Send my love to my mom Helene and Aunt Loretta & Aunt Gloria and of course Uncle Charlie too.
I remembered Theresa as a fun loving, caring and thought-giving person. She was always quick to say a kind word and to lend a helping hand to all who would ask or not. When I joined the staff at St. Philip Church in 2005, she was one of the persons that made me feel welcome as a non catholic. She would comke into my office and we would have many conversations about kids and especially her grand daughter Emily, whom I was bless to know from working at Tracey Elementary school prior to coming to St. Philip.
“T” as i would call her, may your soul rest in the open arms of you savior for ever.
My condolences to the family, especially Emily