Theresa P Montaldo's Obituary
Theresa Pacelli Montaldo (Terry), beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the age of 95. She is mourned by her three children, Karen Montaldo Benitez (Nicholas) of Zephyrhills, Florida; Cynthia Montaldo Card (Pete) of Plant City, Florida; and John Montaldo (Theresa) of Blairsville, Georgia; as well as Theresa’s brother Joseph Pacelli (Joann). She leaves behind 8 grandchildren — Nicholas, Louis, Domino, and Niña Benitez; Stephanie Card Curl (Edward); Peter Card (Momoko) Caitlin Montaldo Weslock (Michael); and Madeline Montaldo Johnson (Michael). She is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren — Charlotte and Annelise Curl; Wilson, Waylon, and Wyatt Weslock; and Luke and Charlie Johnson.
Terry lost her beloved husband and father of her children, John Carmen Montaldo, early in his life at the age of 51. Years later, Terry was remarried to James Gyorfi, who has since passed away.
Terry was born in the “Down Neck” area of Newark, New Jersey, and is predeceased by her parents, Anna Patrowicz Pacelli and Joseph Pacelli, and sister Marie Pacelli Pepe (Arnold).
Terry’s family brought her so much joy; she always said that she was the happiest when she got to be with her family. They were the light of her life, and she was theirs. She also loved her many, many, many friends dearly. She will be remembered by all as a vibrant, loving, humorous, and caring woman — always there with a comforting or encouraging word, a funny quip or interesting story, and the brightest smile in any room.
Another important aspect of Terry’s incredible life — one that many will remember her for — is her cooking. She loved making all sorts of food to share, especially Italian food (from scratch), and was known for making sure anyone who visited her had plenty to eat, including seconds (or thirds!), and leftovers to bring home.
Terry had been sewing since the age of 11. Over the course of her life, she used and expanded her sewing knowledge into multiple areas of mixed media art, such as painting, applique, embroidery, quilting, polymer clay, dyed fabrics, and many more. Her family and friends will forever cherish the countless beautiful items she made — many of which she made especially for them. She loved creativity in all its forms, and always found ways to not only create art, but to learn new things and new media, and share her love for art with everyone around her.
Terry had many accomplishments and received many awards, some of which are: High school award from L. Bamberger & Co., in Newark, NJ, for achievement in Creative Art in a Preliminary Competition for the National High School Art Exhibition, as well as multiple awards in quilt and art shows.
She worked in the garment industry for many years; sold women’s wear and did garment alterations and re-designs; attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in New York City; and opened her own dressmaking, designing, and alterations business (including wedding gowns and bridal parties). She was a member of Decorative Art Painters in Acrylics, and she sold many paintings on wood. She was also a member of the West Pasco Quilters Guild, served as President of the Guild for 2 years, served on the Board for 10 more years, and was awarded the Golden Thimble. Terry joined the Feather Princesses Applique Guild and brought attention to art quilts. She started an art quilt group and brought challenges to the members; she participated in various gallery shows; and hung art-embellished clothing in the Mancuso Show Management show in California. In 2007, Terry and 4 other artists started a mixed media group — the Altered Minds Group — to establish a place to express themselves.
Terry was a devout Catholic with a strong faith. She got involved in the churches nearby where she lived, such as by being a member and Past President of the Rosary Altar Society at St. Agnes Church, and PTA President at St. Agnes Grammar School in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Later, she was a Charter member of the Knights of Columbus Columbiettes at St. Stephen in Riverview. Ever the good neighbor, Terry served as President of River Crossings Homeowners Association in New Port Richey, FL, and President of the Briar Patch Homeowners Association in New Port Richey, FL.
Services and viewing are scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Trinity, Florida.
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, services will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. at Pfleger Funeral Home in Middletown, New Jersey with a funeral Mass following at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey at 11 a.m. Theresa will then be laid to rest alongside her husband John at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Red Bank, New Jersey.
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