Theresa M. Wasielewski

Theresa M. (Bongiovanni) Wasielewski, 86, a longtime resident of Rocky Hill and most recently of Newington, was peacefully welcomed into the arms of the Lord and reunited with her beloved husband, Edward S. Wasielewski, on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Born in Hartford on March 10, 1939, Theresa was the youngest of five children and the second daughter of the late Sebastian and Mary (Paolitto) Bongiovanni. She embodied strong character, charisma, and kindness; resilience, strength, resourcefulness, and humor in meeting life’s challenges and sorrows; and joy and appreciation for God’s everyday blessings. She lived an extraordinarily full life that cannot be captured through these words alone.

A proud graduate of Bulkeley High School, Class of 1957, she was a member of the cheer team and formed lifelong friendships with her sorority sisters. She later traveled nationwide while working in the insurance industry with Connecticut General Insurance.

After a work colleague introduced Theresa to Edward Wasielewski, whom she fondly described as “a nice Polish boy,” the two quickly discovered they were meant to be together. Following a six-month courtship, they were married in 1968 and began building a life rooted in faith, family, and community. Theresa often described the love they shared as true friendship and admiration, a bond that never faded for her. Both attended Central Connecticut State University before settling in Rocky Hill, where they raised their three children. Theresa continued to work while supporting Edward through graduation. She deeply believed in education and inspired her children to pursue graduate and professional degrees.

Following Edward’s passing in 1980, Theresa devoted herself fully to her young family while also caring for her mother, whom she and Edward had welcomed into their home. She wholeheartedly cared for her mother, Mary, who worked incredibly hard to support her children in Hartford’s government housing and from whom Theresa inherited uncommon toughness. Determined, Theresa launched an at-home daycare so she could remain present for her children while supporting others. Ever up for a challenge, she later expanded her vision beyond her home, becoming the owner and operator of Rocky Hill Daycare. For more than twenty years, her one-of-a-kind, child-first approach impacted hundreds of children, families, and young teachers. She later transitioned to another interest, working as a licensed realtor serving the Rocky Hill area. Theresa was too focused on her responsibilities to recognize that she was talented enough to accomplish anything she set her mind to, though she would occasionally allow herself a lighthearted, “Damn, I’m good!” when success was undeniable.

At the remarkable age of 83, Theresa returned to the classroom and proudly earned her Associate’s Degree, with high honors, from Capital Community College in Hartford, proving it is never too late to pursue a goal.

Theresa’s greatest legacy is her devotion to her family and her community. She volunteered as a troop leader for both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, taught religious education and confirmation classes at St. James Church, and could just as easily be found playing backyard sports with neighborhood children as she could be drawing, painting, or taking on a new do-it-yourself home project.

Theresa delighted in sharing traditional Italian family recipes, and her pizza-making skills were even featured on the docuseries The Agent, her son Edward’s project, which was a thrill for her. Theresa loved opera and the arts and volunteered for many years with Hartford Stage and The Bushnell. Recently, Theresa exhibited one of her own art pieces at the Watson Gallery in Old Wethersfield. A strong, determined voice who followed her heart, she was also active in the community effort to prevent I-291 from extending into the Rocky Hill neighborhoods. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime, faithful communicant at St. James Church in Rocky Hill.

A loving mother and grandmother, Theresa will be forever missed by her three children and their families: Edward Wasielewski and wife Erin of Richboro, PA, along with Erin’s brother, Angelo; Cara Bartos and husband Marc of Simsbury, CT; and Mark Wasielewski and wife Katelyn of Wethersfield. She was especially devoted to her adored grandsons, Evan Bartos and Declan Wasielewski, who brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Donna Bongiovanni (Joseph) of Exton, PA; Donna’s daughter, Sarah, her husband Sean, and their son Cooper, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to her husband and parents, Theresa was predeceased by her beloved first grandchild, Hannah Bartos; her brothers, Joseph, Carmen, and Sebastian Bongiovanni; her sister, Sophie Zaccaro; and her brother-in-law, Stanley Wasielewski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Church of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 2–5 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford.