Teresa M Gernazian

Teresa M. Gernazian, an extraordinary Catholic woman of deep and abiding faith, passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 94. Born the daughter of Charles and Alice Maloof, on March 25, 1931, she was raised with her two beloved siblings, Anthony and Charlene Maloof (both of whom predeceased her).

Teresa attended Sacred Heart High school, and graduated in 1948. While a student, Teresa excelled in many endeavors, representing the school in shorthand and typing.

After graduation, Teresa began a career with C&S Bank and was doing well in obtaining promotions when she met the love of her life, Harry. They got married on September 7, 1952, at Immaculate Conception Church and shared a beautiful life together.

On September 3, 1973, after having four children, Harry died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 48, which left Teresa widowed at an early age. But with God’s Grace, and showing extraordinary inner strength, Teresa remained the perfect single mother to each of her four children. She remained joyful and steadfast – always trusting in God, the Blessed Mother’s assistance, and the Church.

After raising her four children, in 1981, Teresa began working for the Georgia Student Finance Authority until she retired in 1995. Once retired, she devoted herself to caring for her wonderful parents (Charles and Alice Maloof) selflessly and with loving devotion until God called each of them home.

In 2020, Teresa suffered a stroke, and at the age of 89, she went to live at A.G. Rhodes (Wesley Woods) in long-term care. She never complained, however, and remained a source of love and joy to all those whom she encountered.

Teresa had a lasting impact with all those she met as a result of her natural goodness, joy and contagious love of God. Teresa also showed many talents which she generously offered to the Church. As she had great devotion to the Blessed Mother, she served in a leadership role in the annual Rosary Rally as well as led First Saturday devotions at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for many years. Teresa was also a gifted lector in which she proclaimed the Mass readings with sweetness, sincerity and a profound reverence for the Word of God.

Although Teresa was involved in many Pro-Life activities, most notable perhaps was her role in assisting her lifelong friends Terry Weaver and Shirley Williams in founding the Atlanta chapter of Birthright. As a Birthright volunteer, Teresa was able to gently and lovingly assist many pregnant women and support them with resources when they chose to give birth.

Another illustrative example of Teresa offering her talents to the Church was her weekly column in the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Georgia Bulletin. Her column became a favorite of many Catholics and was a permanent feature of the Georgia Bulletin for years.

Teresa is survived by her four children - Alice (Brad) Sorano, Terri, Gerard (Martha) and Charles; three grandsons, Daniel Gernazian, Seth Sorano, Christopher Gernazian; her dear sister-in-law Marilyn Maloof; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025 at

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church 2855 Briarcliff Road NE Atlanta GA 30329

Visitation with the family will be held from 12:00pm–12:30pm

Followed by a Rosary at 12:30pm

With a Funeral Mass to follow at 1:00pm

The burial will be held privately with family in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Birthright Atlanta 3424 Hardee Avenue Chamblee GA 30341

OR Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church 2855 Briarcliff Road NE Atlanta GA 30329