Obituary of Theresa G. Casale

Webster: Tues., Jan. 31, 2017, age 95. Passed away peacefully, at home, with her family by her side. Predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Samuel J. Casale, and daughter, Marilyn Casale O'Leary, sister Grace Bastianelli, brothers Anthony, Salvatore, Joseph, Carl and William Morgante. Survived by her devoted and loving children, Barbara (Stephen A.) Bonelli, Samuel "Dennis" (Sue Vogel), Casale, Gary (Rita) Casale; grandchildren, Tina (Michael) O'Brien, Shannon (Jeremy) Bernhart, Joy (Michael) Thompson, Kathleen (Robert) Cook, Stephen J. (Ashley Helwig) Bonelli, David (Heidi Murray) Bonelli, Christina (Brian Rittenhouse) Bonelli, Rachel Casale, Joseph (Erin Hart) Casale, Hope (Erik Potter) Kallback: great-grandchildren, Mychallia, Makenna, and Sean O'Brien, Elizabeth, Shyanne, Lane, and Emmalee Bernhart, Brendan (VanMinos), Sierra, and Sky Thompson, Cory, and Zoë Cook, Colby, Izabella Bonelli, Gloria Bonelli, and Dylan Bonelli-Rittenhouse, Hunter Rittenhouse, Harper Casale, Kaydence, and Shaylah Potter; sisters-in-law Ruby Morganti, Mary Rivoli; many nieces, nephews, other family members and several dear friends. Friends may call 1-5 PM Sat., Feb. 11, at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave., Webster, where services will follow at 5:00 PM. Memorials can be directed to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY 14580 or Webster Parks & Recreation SENIOR CENTER, designated "in Memory of Terry Casale", 1350 Chiyoda Dr., Webster, NY 14580. "Terry", the sixth of seven children, of Charles and Adeline Morgante, was born in Rochester, N.Y. on May 10, 1921, where she lived until her family moved to Sayre, then Waverly, Pennsylvania, before returning to Rochester in the mid-1930's. She graduated from East High School in 1940, and excelled in academics and sports. Her further education for pursuing a nursing career was cut short, however, and she left school after a brief time, to work at Bausch and Lomb, during WWll. Samuel J. Casale, (then, Theresa's soon-to-be husband), had been inducted in the Army, but returned to Rochester on furlough one weekend, where they married, on November, 27, 1943. Terry went to Brownwood, Texas, for the four months that Sam was stationed there, then back home during another two-week furlough, before returning for the last time to Brownwood, where he was stationed for four more months. They then left Texas, with Terry returning home to Rochester and her husband heading to N.J., to ship out to England. Sam spent the next three years during the War, in the Army, and fought in England, France, and Germany, before being shipped to Japan. In his absence, Terry worked at B&L, and also worked at Singer, making dress molds. Upon his Army discharge, Sam returned home to Rochester, where Theresa and he raised their family of four children. Almost 50 years later, they moved to Webster to live with their daughter and son-in-law. Terry kept active and productive her whole life. She once applied for a "temporary" job at Christmastime, as a salesperson in the Toy Dept. at McCurdy's. But, she enjoyed it so much that she stayed on there until she retired, several years later. On weekends she often helped a friend, selling produce at the Public Market, where she was quick to make a new friend of everyone that passed her way. Having her children, many grandchildren and "great-grands" in her life, was one of her greatest joys, "Family is everything. Always remember family", she would often say. Her looks defied her true age, and even well into her 90's, when asked her age, she justified her answer, by replying, "You're only as young as you feel!" She loved going to the Webster Senior Center, where she socialized with everyone. It gave her great joy, seeing her many friends at the Friday luncheons at the Center, as well as their occasional outings and casino trips. An avid bowler in her younger years, she quickly became a pro at Wii bowling, and participated in the Senior Center's bowling tournaments. Terry looked forward to meeting with the "Friday Knitters" group there, and over the years, had made dozens of baby hats, and blankets, which she donated to local hospitals' nurseries, and crocheted afghans for each of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids…every stitch made with love! Theresa Casale's family, would like to express their sincere gratitude for the committed, dedicated, and extradinary expert care shown to Theresa and her family. Your support and comfort was greatly appreciated during this difficult time. A very special "thank you" to the Hospice nurses and home health aides, especially Jill S., Rochelle T. and Frances F., who went above and beyond, in treating Terry with love and compassion. They are the true angels on this journey. To our family and friends who supported us with your thoughts and prayers, we thank you.