Theresa J. Evangelista (Ventresca) Service Information

Theresa J. Ventresca Evangelista, of Warrington, PA died on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Doylestown Hospital. She was 88.

Born in Italy, she emigrated as an infant to Massachusetts where she grew up surrounded by her two brothers and sister and a plethora of extended family.  Aware and proud of her Italian heritage, she was determined from the beginning to adopt the ways of her new and only home, often at odds with her parents as she fought to be a typical American teenager.  Her stories of sneaking out of the house and meeting up with friends cemented her status as “cool aunt” to her adoring nieces and nephews who perhaps never matched her daring and carefree youth.

Teri had a long and successful career with General Electric.  While building that challenging career, her inexhaustible energy was put into a second job, waitressing at a popular Worcester restaurant, Leo’s, where she became legend to the local patrons.  She chose to work this second job so all the money she earned could go into her “travel fund.”  And oh how she traveled!

Teri’s irreverent humor and boisterous personality made her a coveted travel companion.  Often traveling with her beloved sister Mary’s family, she explored Italy, England, Greece, France (best not to dwell on her experiences in Paris!), as well as Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.  Although one often thinks of travel as being the way to understand other cultures, it can be said that Teri left more of a mark on other cultures than the other way around!

Teri was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Evangelista, her parents Dominic and Anna LoStracco Ventresca, her brothers Primo Ventresca (Anna), Joseph Ventresca (Grace), nephew Robert Ventresca, and nieces Joanne Iacoboni (Vincent) and Evelyn Moore (Robert), and beloved pet children Mai-Ling, Jada, and Chloe.

She is survived by her sister Mary Ventresca (Benjamin), whom she joined in North Wales upon her retirement from GE.  The two sisters shared many common interests, including being long-time members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy - Central Bucks - Benjamin J. Ventresca Lodge #2271 for which Teri was shopper-in-chief for the beautiful Tombola gifts that were on display every year at the Ladies Fashion Show.  She was a constant source of encouragement as Mary navigated widowhood and small business ownership.  They were a perfect pair together: Mary providing stability and wisdom and Teri providing unyielding loyalty and levity.  The family has many memories of Mary shaking her head and sighing as she looked upon her little sister with bemusement and pride.

She was the beloved Auntie to her “daughter” Rosanna Gehringer (James), and to Primo Ventresca, Regina Creedon (Michael), Benjamin Ventresca (Susan), and Lisa Forsyth (Dennis).  She is survived by many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom she considered her own children.

Theresa Evangelista was larger than life.  She loved with her whole heart.  She was fiercely loyal.  She spoke her mind at a time when women were not encouraged to do so.  It was exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) to be in her presence.  She truly lived her life.  And though felled by the scourge of Alzheimer’s at a cruelly early age, even until her last day, the glint in her eye showed all those around her that her indomitable spirit had not been quelled.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 9:30 am until her Funeral Mass at 10:30 am in St. Stanislaus Church, 51 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446. Her interment will be held on October 7, 2023 at St John's Cemetery, Worcester, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Neshaminy Manor Welfare Fund, c/o 1660 S. Easton Road, Warrington, PA 18976.

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