Maria Teresa Visocchi

Born in Roccacassale, Italy on September 11, 1940, Teresa immigrated to Canada in 1951 with her parents Antionietta and Gino D’onofrio, and brother Romano D’onofrio, all now deceased. She carried her Italian heritage, traditions, and deep-rooted family values with her throughout her life in order to share them generously with those of whom she loved.

In 1959, Teresa married the love of her life Gerardo Mario “Jerry” Visocchi. Together they built a wonderful life, founded on love, faith, family, and service to their community. They welcomed three beloved daughters; Gina Lippa (Joseph Fazari), Lucia Visocchi, and Maryanne Visocchi. They became the center of Teresa’s world. Her greatest joy was her cherished grandchildren; Angelie, Joseph and Santina (Tyler).

Teresa had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and cared for. She expressed her love in her cooking: pastina, “nothing” cookies, and countless pasta dishes. Sunday family dinners at the home on Balfour Drive, everyone gathering to share food, laughter and love. For Teresa, family was everything and no one ever left her home hungry.

She loved playing Bocce Ball, and was famously undefeated at Italian Card Games such as Briscola and Scopa! Her Roman Catholic faith was an important part of her life, and she was a devoted member of Annunciation of our Lord parish for over 50 years.

The happiest memories for Teresa were made at Sauble Beach with Jerry, her children and grandchildren. Daily walks to the beach; forest hikes with Corkie the dog and the grandchildren; nightly campfires; Tuesday night Bingo and Sunday breakfast at the Marina all became treasured family traditions. The simple pleasures reflected what Teresa valued most: time together and happiness found in life’s every day moments.

Following Jerry’s passing in 2015, Teresa spent several enjoyable years at Villa Italia, where she loved to dance and talk with all who visited. She would humorously introduce herself as “Mother Teresa”! She later moved to St. Peter’s Residence where she is lovingly remembered by many staff with whom she would greet and laugh with.

Teresa will be missed by all those who knew her. She had many close family friends, and those especially dear to her were her nieces Tammy D’onofrio and Kirston Visocchi, and nephew Matthew (Brooke) D’onofrio and their daughter Regan. Though deeply missed, Teresa’s love will live on in every family gathering, every Sunday dinner, every cherished Italian recipe, and every memory shared by those fortunate enough to have known her.

We take comfort in knowing Teresa is now reunited with Jerry and her many relatives and friends, resting peacefully in the embrace of the Lord.

Many thanks for your extraordinary care of Teresa, to the wonderful staff of Garland at St. Peter’s. We will forever remember your kind compassion in caring for our beloved mom until the very end.

Visitation will be held at Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel (322 Fennell Ave. East) on Thursday, October 29 from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Annunciation of Our Lord Parish (280 Limeridge Rd. West) at 10:00 am on Friday, October 30, followed by an entombment at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery (600 Spring Gardens Rd, Burlington). All are invited to share in a light lunch at Annunciation of Our Lord (in the Parish Center) following the entombment.

Donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer Society Foundation of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton and Halton.

website: https://alzda.donorsupport.co/page/donate?recurring=once