Theresa Terry DiFazio Bourassa

Theresa E. (DiFazio) Bourassa, born on February 26, 1918 in Beverly, MA, of Italian immigrants, died peacefully on Wed. Apr. 24 after a brave battle with esophageal cancer. At 95 yrs young, she leaves behind to celebrate her life: her devoted husband, of nearly 64 yrs, Alfred E. Bourassa, Jacksonville, FL; 2 loving daughters, Suzanne (and Bill) Marino, Jacksonville, FL and Nancy (and Dave) Kolok, Essex Junction, VT; 2 special granddaughters, Kristin (and Dave) Matteo, Ocean Grove, NJ and Amanda (and Tordy) Conley, Burlington, VT; and the light of her life, her great grandson, Ryan Matteo. In addition, she leaves behind several nieces and nephews. She also predeceased all 6 siblings.

Terry was loved by all who met her. Friendly, upbeat, warm, funny, caring and compassionate are just a few words to describe her. She always had a smile on her face. She devoted her days to caring for her family and always providing a loving home to raise her girls. She cherished the memories of living in MA, CT, NY, NH, VT and her precious Siesta Key, FL. She was fortunate to have traveled the world. Family photos track her in places such as: Hawaii, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Bahamas, Bermuda, as well as, overseas.

Throughout her life, she made a habit of always helping others—young and old. She enjoyed volunteering at a local hospital and was especially fond of assisting with the care of a young disabled girl. She devoted the last 10 yrs of her life to meticulously taking care of her husband who has dementia.

Gardening was Terry’s lifelong passion. She could create a masterpiece garden out of a single flower. While in her late 80's, she was appointed by the architectural committee at her condo complex in Siesta Key, to design, plant and maintain a large portion of the property by the pool. It was magnificent. She was creating curb appeal for her front entrance long before it became a TV show. Flowers were always the main ingredient for a welcoming entrance to her home.

Family and friends will also remember her for her love of shopping----Marshalls was her favorite place to hunt for bargains. She could have opened her own Italian restaurant with the rave reviews she got for her Italian meatballs and eggplant parmesan. Her undocumented recipes have yet to be challenged by any other member of the family.

A celebration of her life will be held at the River Lounge at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 4pm. Chaplain Kathy McLean will officiate. To keep her memory alive, plant a tree or create a garden (she'd love that). Or, donations to your local chapter of the American Cancer Society, would be appreciated. The family wishes to thank the amazing caregivers: Kim, Sharon, Sandi, and Angie for their loving care and compassion, as well as, the staff at Westminster Woods, (particularly, Carol and Elizabeth) and, Northeast Florida Community Hospice.