The family of Teresa Calleri (nee) Stella, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother is mourning her passing at Pioneer Ridge on Saturday, March 8, 2025, a day away from her 97th birthday. Teresa was born on March 9th, 1928, in Nicastro, Italy. It is here that Teresa met Antonio and after his completion of his tour duty escaping German occupation they married. To provide for the family Teresa and Antonio worked the land under a baron which was common at that time. They labored from dawn to dusk.
They were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Mary and Josephine. Teresa made sure that the family was well taken care of. Apart from her household tasks, she would help Antonio with his many daily chores. Days laboring were long and arduous but nothing in comparison to the challenges that the rugged Canadian north would present in so many aspects.
In 1958, the young family in pursuit of new opportunities, journeyed to Canada making Port Arthur (at that time) their new home. Soon upon arrival, Teresa found employment at Hinsberger Bag and Canvas and here she met a number of Italian ladies who had also made the long trek to Canada. Work was hard and the days were long but her perseverance and dedication to earning an honest living ultimately helped build the foundation for a better life for all those that followed.
Like every grandmother, her grandchildren always put a smile on her face. They were inevitably the reason for her existence. After all, it was she who helped in their upbringing. Her unconditional love and support are undeniable. It is said that grandparents are the consolation of the grandchildren and that is why she is loved and respected by them all. A woman of strong moral fiber, quiet determination and strength of character are the attributes that we are blessed to know and that we as a family and friends will forever cherish in our hearts.
Teresa is survived by her daughters, Mary Provenzano and Josephine (Saverio) Nigro, grandchildren, Frank Provenzano, Laura Carlson, Frank (Sabrina) Nigro, Leanne (Michael) McLean, and Robert (Melissa) Nigro. Great grandchildren, Jordan Carlson (Tesselie Pereira), Parker Carlson (Catherine Blaikie), Sienna and Liam McLean and Alessio Nigro.
Predeceased by her husband Antonio, sisters Angela Costantino, Giovanna Folino and Maria Mercuri, and brothers Antonio and Frank Stella.
We cannot thank the staff (Plaza Two) at Pioneer Ridge enough for their unwavering commitment and compassion and care for Teresa, especially the last days of her life. We are so grateful for everything.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Teresa Calleri will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Fillipini. Visitation for friends will be held in the church for 1 hour prior to the Funeral Mass. The entombment will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery.
If friends should so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s Foundation or a charity of your choice would gratefully appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
TI AMIAMO PIU OGGI CHE IERI
MA NON TANTO QUANTO DOMANI
RIPOSA IN PACE CARA MAMMA
