Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, & True Matriarch
Theresa (Liz) (Calabrese) Ciriaco of Brick, NJ, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, began her journey into God's loving arms after a life filled with unconditional love and happiness on August 23, 2010 while battling lymphoma in recent months. She enjoyed a rich life to the age of 100. She was blessed with good health and a loving family to keep her busy throughout her entire life.
Born Theresa Calabrese on May 21, 1910 in Newark, NJ, Theresa was known by all as "Liz", a nickname given by her beloved Uncle Patsy Orlando. She retired from Hankins Container Company, Union, NJ in 1976.
She was a fastidious homemaker with seeming endless energy. Her wonderful dinners will be sorely missed. Over her blessed 100 years, Liz never lost her endearing talent for great cooking, holiday baking, and her powerful spirit. Even at 100, she still baked the family's favorites for all the holidays.
She was predeceased by her husband Joseph of 55 years in 1987, her son Joseph Jr. in November 2004, and son in law Carmen Calella, in April 1989.
A true matriarch of the family, she treasured her time with her children, Kathryn (with whom she lived), Marie Calella, of Monroe Township, and Sue & Jim Archinaco, of Holmdel. Her family will be forever thankful for having her in their lives. She tried never to miss a family gathering of any kind and she just loved to dress up and go out with her family or just visit at her children and grandchildren's homes.
Besides her children, surviving are 8 grandchildren and their spouses, Carmen & Maureen Calella, Jospeh Calella, Cheryl Calella, Joseph & Sueanne Ciriaco, Stephen Ciriaco, and Craig Ciriaco, Jim & Robyn Archinaco, and Allison & Andy Seman.
She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Kelli, Christopher, & Nicole Calella, Heather, Keith, Christian, Justin, Nicole & Angelo Ciriaco, and Christian & Anthony Archinaco, and joining them will be another great-granddaughter due in September, 2010.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations be made in her memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 14 Cranford Drive, Cranford, NJ.
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