Mrs. Theresa Delores "Terri" (DePastene) Rizzo

Mrs. Theresa Delores “Terri” (DePastene) Rizzo, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Siegenthaler Center with her loving daughters by her side. Born in Utica on December 28, 1920, Theresa was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Leonard) DePastene. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. On October 12, 1948 she married William “Bill” Rizzo with whom she shared a wonderful life prior to his passing on June 17, 1986. For many years, Theresa was employed by Chanatry’s Market on Culver Ave. A very loving woman, she cherished the time she spent with her family and friends. She enjoyed baking, especially Italian cookies. On many family occasions everyone looked forward to Aunt Terri’s delicious trays of homemade Italian cookies. Blessed with a sweet voice, Theresa never passed up the chance to sing “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. She also looked forward to volunteering at the annual Sts. Cosmas & Damian Feast. Her other leisure activities included bowling, traveling, reading, knitting and needle work. She was a member of the former Sons of Italy Utica Lodge and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). She was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church and a participant in the St. Theresa Society, in honor of her patron saint. Theresa is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Linda S. and Charles H. Bohling of Wisconsin, and Jacquelyn Rizzo-Schmidt of Westmoreland; her grandchildren, Amy and Mike Stolowski, and Michael Bohling, all of Wisconsin, and Eric and Ashley Schmidt of Westmoreland; her great-grandchildren, Cody Schmidt, and Bryce Schmidt; and her sisters and brother-in-law, Mitzi and John DePerno, and Lucy Marino, all of Utica. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Yolanda and Fred Sisti, Roseanne and Dean Perta and Anthony “Tony” Marino; and her brother and sister-in-law, Frank A. and Florence DePastene. Her family would like to thank St. Elizabeth’s Hospital third floor nurses and staff for their kindness and caring. A special thank you is extended to the Siegenthaler Center nurses and staff for their tremendous compassion and care given to mom during her final days. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Theresa's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning, April 5, 2014 at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of floral offerings please consider a donation to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4290 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413; envelopes will be available at the mass. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Theresa Delores "Terri" (DePastene) Rizzo

December 28, 1920 - March 28, 2014