Theresa Ann Gentempo

In the early morning hours of September 19, 2026, Theresa Ann Vento Gentempo, 93, passed away surrounded by family. She was born on October 29, 1932, to Anna and Charles Vento. A lifelong Houstonian, Theresa graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1951 alongside her twin sister, Mary Lou Gentempo.

She held various jobs throughout her life, but the role she cherished above all others was being a mother. She raised five children largely on her own, giving us more love and strength than we could ever have asked for. There were difficult times, of course, but our home was filled with happiness. Mom was a role model to us of how devotion to faith could comfort us through the difficult times. She made holidays and birthdays feel special and taught us, through both her words and her example, that family was one of life’s greatest blessings. In later years, she delighted in being the grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 15, each of whom brought joy and laughter to her life.

To us, Mom was simply the best. Her strong faith shaped the way she lived, and her love and devotion to her Lord and Savior, his mother Mary, and St. Joseph never wavered. She met everyone with kindness along with just enough sassiness to keep us laughing. She liked to begin each morning—not too early, of course—with a good cup of coffee, breakfast, and the newsfeed on her iPad. She cared about what was happening in the world. Just a few days before she passed, she was still talking about the upcoming election and trying to figure out how to vote. An avid reader, she could often be found reading a book while watching a movie at the same time.

Mom also loved to travel. Her visits to Italy, the Holy Land, and Medjugorje were special, but she especially loved Galveston. She had many happy memories of times with extended family in Galveston and Hitchcock, Texas. One of her fondest childhood memories was riding there with her Grandpa Schiro in his Model T. Just a month before her passing, she was excited to make one final trip to Galveston, wearing a big smile throughout the entire day.

Through the faith Mom instilled in us, we find comfort in believing that she has been welcomed home and reunited in heaven with those who went before her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Charles Vento— (who we

lovingly referred to as Mamo and Papo)—her beloved twin sister, Mary Lou Gentempo, and her precious granddaughter, Christina Bader.

She leaves behind a loving family: her son, John A. Gentempo, and his wife, Mary; her daughters, Patty Howell and her husband, Justin, Ann Marie Paradowski, Marilyn Walden and her husband, Doug, and Margaret Bader and her husband, Randy; her beloved brother, Carl Vento, and his wife, Mary Rose; her grandchildren; Jillian Boehm, Michael and Christopher Gentempo, Angelique Karcher, Jordan Lambert, Alisa Lively, Mack Paradowski, Jenna Pool, Christiana Walden, Jessica Wolf and the late Christina Bader; her great-grandchildren; Julia Boehm, Liam, Charlie, and Chloe Karcher, James, Jack, and Maggie Lambert, Addison and Olivia Lively, Jake, Lydia, Nathan, and Owen Paradowski, Grady and Ava Pool; and the many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her.

Although we grieve the passing of our dear Mother Theresa, we are extremely grateful for the lifetime of love, faith, wisdom, laughter, and joy she gave to all of us. Her gentle spirit will live on in the family she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless memories we will carry with us. She will be missed beyond words and loved forever.

The funeral will be held at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church on Friday, October 2nd with a Rosary beginning at 10:30am followed by the Mass at 11am.

A reception luncheon will be held in the church hall immediately following the Mass. The address is: 11507 Huffmeister Road, Houston, Texas 77065

The burial will take place the following day, October 3rd, at Resthaven Cemetery at 11am. The address is: 13102 North Fwy, Houston, Texas 77060

The family kindly requests that guests refrain from wearing black to the funeral, as Mom wanted everyone to celebrate her life in bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to a charity of your choice.