Like Tinkerbell you left a little sparkle wherever you went. And left a little pike dust for us to hold in our hearts.  Memories that will last a lifetime. ❤ Love you, sis.

Dear Nella and family, 
       So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.  God bless you and keep you well.

  Love,
Carol Nittoli Smith

Terri and I were  friends, colleagues, and neighbors at PS 107. We became friends when we learned we had a common bond.  Her Dad and brother  and my husband Vini all worked for TWA at la Guardia airport. Terri was a special person who was always willing to help and be kind to anyone in need. The sadness of her loss is shared by all who knew and loved her. My deepest snd sincerest condolences go to her family.  May fond memories comfort you and bring you peace. Prayerfully Terri has found hers. 

I was a student at PS 107 from 1987-1994. Terri was not my teacher, but I did have the privilege of being her student-teacher as a graduate student and then eventually working with her on the fourth grade. No one guided me, assisted me, and watched out for what was in my best interest as much as Terri did. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been hired without her good word- and even after I was hired, l always felt "protected" by her. There was a reason why I always called her my “work mom.” Terri made me feel loved and I felt at home in her classroom. I'm sure this is how she made all of her students feel throughout all the years of her career at PS 107- even when she was struggling so much with her health. Terri was a special woman in so many ways. In the classroom, when she encountered difficult children- whether they had academic or behavioral issues- she never spoke badly about them or complained about having them in her class. She just did her best to address their needs- all while making everyone laugh with her sarcasm and wit! Terri had a heart of gold. The people who knew her well knew that everything she did came from a good place. I admired her as a teacher who had a passion and respect for her job and all of her children, and I admired her as a good natured woman who had the strength and determination to push forward through health trials and tribulations- all while keeping a smile on her face. 
Terri touched the lives of so many people, including my own. I will miss her sense of humor, her support and guidance when I needed it, and the love I felt when I was with her. May she Rest In Peace with all of the people she loved who passed before her. (Send me your signs from Heaven, Terri! I love you!)
Love, 
Ro

Terri was the strongest woman that I have ever met!  She was a great teacher and served the 4th graders for over 30 years.  Terri was loved by students, parents and colleagues.  Terri was a big part of PS 107's PTA. She always volunteered to help the 107 community.  Terri was a great friend to me personally, we enjoyed our long winded breakfasts at IHOP and Bluebay.  We had many good laughs together as well as sharing our ailments.  She was a true friend from the first day I met her in 1989!  I will miss you tremendously.   Until we meet again, I will always be thinking about you and our good times together.
Love,
Joe Kessler

You weren’t just my 4th grade teacher, or my religion teacher, you were my aunt/godmother. You have always believed in me, and you were straight up with me. You have been there for me through pretty much everything. You thought my goals to becoming a veterinarian was a bit crazy bc you knew how much I hated science. You guided me to the right path, you have done so much for my family and I. You’ve brightened everyone’s day, you were the life of the party, you always knew how to have fun. The holidays won’t ever be the same without you, but I am extremely glad you are no longer in pain. This isn’t a goodbye this is until next time. I’m going to miss you Aunt T. Rest In Peace🥺🙏🏼❤️

My heart feels very heavy.  I have just lost my cousin Terri Dibella she just wasn't just my cousin she was a sister to me. I will remember all the fun times we had specially the times at the  Bungalow fishing, crabbing, claming and suntaning at the beach.  She loved the beach we went almost every weekend we even went to  Puerto rico were she got tan and I got burnt.  She knew at a young age she wanted to become a teacher she would have us (John, Paul, Anthony, and myself) play school in her basement.  Also the time that I crack my head on the stairs in Corona at grandma's house I was bleeding and she ran for help .  She was a strong person even back then. know we will miss her smile her laugh and also her being sassy.  I know that the holidays and my bbq's will not be the same without her.  Next time I have a bbq I will have a chicken burger for you, the next holidays I will have eggplant  Rotini for you. The only comfort I have is knowing that you are not in pain anymore and you are with your Dad. You will truly be missed by my husband Dan Dona and my 3 kids Daniel Dona , Ashley Marie , and Sara Marie  who called you Aunt Tee.   Its going to be hard not talking to you everyday like we did.  It's also going to be hard to say goodbye, but I am not.   I am going to say until we meet again.   Rest in peace and God bless.

I met Terri in 1990 when I came to P.S. 107 as the new Reading Staff Developer. Terri was one of the first teachers to extend a hand in friendship. We worked together collaboratively, learning from each other. We spent many lunch hours with friends sharing life’s special moments, laughing and crying together and supporting each other as the years passed, Terri always made the best of every situation and was able to see the positive side of life. I am sure she will continue to walk beside all those she loved. Rest In Peace Friend.

Terri was a very special women. I am so glad she was part of my life for 27 years at PS 107. She always had a smile on her face and she could put smiles on ours. Rest In Peace my friend
Love,
Lily

Our childhood memories will live on forever, you were the cousin every person would cherish to have.   I will never forget you and way you always got me in trouble :)-Give Uncle Pauly a big hand shake for me. Love you Carmine

I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of Terri .  I worked with Terri @ P.S 107 for over 20 years and not only considered her a good friend but she was a great teacher who was compassionate and had a heart of gold.   Our loss is heaven's gain.  May she be at peace.  She will always be remembered as a sweet loving person and will be missed by so many.   My condolences to her family and all who loved  her.   

I worked with Terri at PS 107 for over 30 years. She was a compassionate and hard working teacher.
We had a lot of good times at 107. I will miss her very much. 
Rest in Peace, my friend. <3 Forever in our hearts.
Lisa Foley

I am saddened to hear of Terri’s passing. She  had a wonderful spirit, faced challenges with great strength and had an open heart. Terri loved teaching and making a difference in every child’s and colleagues life. Born on the same day as my husband ,  they always shared birthday wishes.  We had many happy times together which I will always remember.  I hope her family is comforted knowing how much she was loved. 

OBITUARY

Theresa Ann DiBella

September 22, 1962 – March 12, 2021

Frederick Funeral Home

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