1955 - 2019
WESTBROOK - Theresa Ann (Dempsey) Mazziotti, RN, quietly slipped away from us on January 12, 2019, after fighting a courageous four-year battle against Ovarian cancer. Theresa was born 9/17/55 to the late William J. Dempsey (Jocko) retired Portland Firefighter, and Irma L. Dempsey, School Department Baker. Theresa is survived by her mother, Irma Dempsey; daughter, Katie Babicz; grandson, William Babicz; siblings Larry Dempsey and wife, Shirley Dempsey; Donna (Dempsey) Gilbert and husband, Joseph Gilbert; niece, Alllison Dempsey; our Dempsey clan of cousins; Katie’s father, Daryl Lavigne, and ex-husband Joseph Mazziotti, Esq.
While in high school, she volunteered as a Candy Striper, through this experience, discovered her true path, being a medical team member. After graduating from Deering High school, she enrolled in the Maine Medical Center School of Operating Room Technology graduating in 1974, then begun working as an OR Tech at Mercy Hospital meeting her first husband Daryl G. Lavigne, marrying in 1974, welcomed their daughter Katie Ann (Lavigne) Babicz seven years later, but divorcing that same year. Theresa never let time stand still and while working full time, raising her daughter, being a companion and helpmate to second husband, Joseph R. Mazziotti, Esq. she enrolled as a full-time student at Central Maine Medical Center’s School of Nursing graduating in 1993 with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Improving skills was very important to Theresa, so again while working full time, she enrolled as a student at Spa Tech earning a Massage Therapist license. However, Theresa sought change deciding to become a traveling nurse, accepting assignments throughout New England, New York, the southern states and California. We were so proud of her as she traveled alone to each location and immersed herself in the history and traditions of each city, while we enjoyed the colorful stories, pictures and observations of her travels. As much as she enjoyed traveling, missing daughter Kate and grandson Will brought her back home. As she settled back in Maine, she was able to spend many hours with the light of her life, grandson Will, enjoying things like tadpole hunting in Evergreen Cemetery, visiting Grey Animal Farm, feeding the birds and watching for cardinals that she called Papa’s symbols, walking Crescent beach and swimming in Uncle Joe’s pool.
The universe gains another bright star while grief overwhelms as we think of long days ahead without our beautiful vital Theresa. Your battle is over, rest in love and peace.
Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Theresa’s online guestbook at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com
In lieu of flowers please donate to Theresa and Will’s favorite place, The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, ME 04092, 207-854-9971.
Relatives and friends and invited to attend a time of visitation on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 from 10am to 12pm at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home. A funeral services will immediately follow at 12pm at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home. A committal will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 11am at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress St., Portland, Maine, 04102. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, Maine, 04103. 775-3763.
