Theresa I. (Roller) Wells

Mrs. Theresa I. (Roller) Wells, age 66, of Utica, went home to the Lord peacefully as she passed away on Wednesday December 9, 2015 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the support of those she loved most. Born in Utica on May 15, 1949, Theresa was the daughter of the late Nellie H. (Wentworth) Jurkowski. She was raised and educated locally and as an adult she graduated from BOCES as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She shared in a union of 40 years with Raymond Wells. Skilled and compassionate in her medical profession, Theresa shared her knowledge with others as she embarked on her 26-year career as an LPN at various area hospitals, nursing homes, and lastly at private duty nursing. Theresa was a woman of honesty, tenacity, and strength of character. She fought the good fight and worked with pride and perseverance to overcome her medical challenges. As a mom, she lovingly provided guidance and unconditional support. She loved children, whether they were related or not; she held them close to her heart and helped them with their needs and wants as best as she could. She was a mentor, especially to her sister, Kathy, who admired her for her strength, wisdom, and ability to guide her. As a grandmother, she taught her grandkids to see the good and positive points of life’s situations. Theresa thanked God for blessing her with the creation and love of a devoted daughter, and the joy of her grandchildren. Her talents and hobbies included baking, especially cheesecake, scrapbooking, and creating personalized greeting cards with her stamping “Creations by Noni” on the back of each one. Halloween was her favorite holiday and she made the most unique costumes by hand and with love. She was known for the beautiful Christmas displays that adorned her house, and the love she had for parades for all seasons and reasons… parades her grandchildren participated in, the annual Honor America Days Parade & Celebration in Rome, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was a must! Those who knew her kindness and love will remember that Theresa was a true believer in her God and it was her faith in his Divine providence that sustained her. Theresa is survived by her husband, Raymond; her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy A. and Anthony Rodriguez of Herkimer; her grandchildren, Brandon Rodriguez, Victoria Rodriguez, and Justin Wnek and fiancee Stefanie Souliopoulos; and her great-grandchild, Chloe Rae Wnek. She will also remain in the hearts of her sisters and brothers-in-law, Cynthia Meenan, Ida and Robert Bonanza Sr., and Kathleen and Frank Zammiello; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Lynda Cooper, Bernard H. Jr. and Kathleen Meenan, Kevin Meenan, and Donald H. “Joe” Meenan; her sister-in-law, Haynie Jurkowski; her nieces, nephews, especially Frank Zammiello and Anthony Zammiello who she cherished, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. She was predeceased by her brother, Clifford A. Jurkowski, II. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Mario Carrillo for his outstanding and comforting professional and personal concern; Dr. Debora Lee at Bassett Healthcare Network in Herkimer, a friend and primary physician who stood by Theresa; the St. Elizabeth Medical Center/3rd Floor staff for their compassionate care; the personnel at the Folts Home and the St. Luke’s Home who provided gentle care and comfort to Theresa; and the staffs of Senior Network Health and the Visiting Nurse Association for their continual concern. In keeping with Theresa's wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request please omit floral offerings. Memorial contributions may be considered to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society; envelopes will be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Theresa's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday December 18th at 4:00 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Pastor Richard Dellos. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass.

Theresa I. (Roller) Wells

May 15, 1949 - December 9, 2015