Teresa A. Forde

Teresa Ann Forde, age 61, of West Babylon, New York passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 26, 1963 to Josephine and the late Arthur Chimenti. Beloved wife of John C. Forde for 33 years and best friend for 35. Cherished mother of Nicholas (Yamilet) and Joseph (Jenna). Devoted grandmother of Gianna, Hailey, Mackenzie, Riley, and Anthony. Treasured sister of Arthur Chimenti (Anna) and Karen Grillo (Fred) and sister-in-law of Jill Westby and Alison Bregenzer (Brian). Precious cousin and adored aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. Highly regarded friend and colleague.

Teresa was raised in Merrick, New York. As the daughter of an identical twin, Teresa and her siblings were very close with the Paolino family. Growing up, Teresa and her family spent countless moments with them, celebrating Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, major holidays, and everyday life together.

Teresa graduated from Sanford H. Calhoun High School in 1981. Teresa started her career at Burger King as a cashier and quickly rose to the top of the corporate ladder as a district manager. Through working for Burger King, she met her husband, John, and they were married on March 28, 1992. They began their life together, welcoming two wonderful sons, Nicholas in 1992 and Joseph in 1997. Teresa’s mother, Josephine, moved in with her and John to help them raise their family, becoming a constant, loving presence in their home and a steady source of support and care throughout the years.

Teresa, John, Nicholas, and Joseph enjoyed many activities as a family, including baseball tournaments, parties, and vacations, especially Disney cruises. Teresa was passionate about raising and rescuing dogs, and provided a loving home for their dogs Lexie, Sasha, Lola, Loki, and Armani.

Teresa will always be remembered for her incredible thoughtfulness and the sentimental way she celebrated every religious and family milestone. She always found the perfect gift that made her loved ones feel cherished and deeply appreciated. Teresa had many special friendships and never stopped showing up for the people she cared about, even as she battled her illness.

One of the roles Teresa was most proud of in her life was being a grandmother to Gianna, Hailey, Mackenzie, Riley, and Anthony. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and savored every moment she spent with them. Teresa’s deep involvement in her church was a cornerstone of her life, having served at Our Lady of Grace in West Babylon as a eucharistic minister and religious education teacher. This strong faith naturally carried over into how she guided and supported her grandchildren. Teresa faithfully supported them through each of their sacraments and lovingly took them to their religious education classes. Guiding them in their faith brought her immense joy and pride.

Over the last fifteen years, Teresa found a great sense of purpose working as the manager of Primo Wine & Liquor Outlet in West Babylon where she was a highly respected and valued part of the team. Her warmth, dedication, and strong work ethic made her an integral presence in the store and in the lives of her coworkers and customers.

Teresa was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Chimenti, her in-laws, John A. and Elisabeth Forde, her aunt and uncle, Evelyn and Michael Paolino, her nephews, Frankie Grillo and Stephen Westby, and her faithful canine companions, Lexie and Sasha.

Teresa will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her, especially those whose lives were touched by her kindness, faith, and unwavering love.

In lieu of flowers we are asking that donations be made to Mondays Cancer Care in Teresa Forde's name.

Checks can be mailed to: Mondays Cancer Care 284 W Main Street Sayville, NY 11782

www.mondayscancercare.org/donate

A visitation for Teresa A. will be held Monday, May 5, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. A visitation will occur Monday, May 5, 2025 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A mass of christian burial will occur Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 666 Albin Ave, West Babylon, NY 11704. A burial will occur Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at St Patrick Cemetery, 225 Brentwood Rd, Bay Shore, NY 11706.