Theresa Slattery

Theresa Louise Baiguini Slattery, 93, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Feb. 10, 1929 in Speedsville, NY to Christopher Columbo and Josephine Pinazza Baiguini, and was the first of her family to be born in the U.S.  She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 71 years, Donald J. Slattery, who passed away July 8, 2021. Her sisters Mary, Ida, and Rose, and her brother Daniel also predeceased her.

Theresa is survived by her six children: daughters Donna Slattery Cooper (Arthur) and Kathleen Slattery Button (Daniel), sons James (Cindy), Stephen (Salynne), Daniel (Margaret), and David (Karen) Slattery, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, several nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren. She is also survived by her younger sister, Sylvia Willis, of Tampa, FL.

Theresa graduated from Cortland High School in 1947 and began work as a secretary before marrying Don, the love of her life, on Nov. 12, 1949.  Besides bringing up six children, Theresa worked from home typing  papers for graduate students before venturing out into the world of insurance, starting with the Lama Insurance Agency. She eventually became an administrative assistant at the Carey-McKinney Agency in Ithaca, where she worked for many years.

The radio or other music was always alive at the Slattery house, and Theresa could often be heard humming or singing while she worked around the house. Theresa and her husband Don loved to sing and dance. They were wonderful singers and would often harmonize while washing dishes and dance along with the music in front of the sink.  Theresa loved her entire family and religiously sent birthday and Christmas gifts to each and every one.  She loved the holidays and made them special year after year for everyone and anyone who could make it for dinner or just dessert. She was noted for her chocolate oatmeal chewies and rhubarb pies. The back door was always open, and Theresa made the Slattery home warm and welcoming for friends and family who would often drop by.

Theresa became the “Second Mom” to many, including her daughters- and sons-in-law, neighborhood friends, and extended family, as she lovingly embraced everyone, both literally and figuratively. She had a huge heart and generous, loving spirit. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Theresa was a lifelong congregant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca. There will be a Memorial Mass celebrating her life at a later date when her sprawling family can gather. Theresa’s family thanks Brookdale Senior Living and Memory Care for their love and devoted attention given to Theresa, and to Hospicare of Ithaca for the exceptional care they provided. Should you wish to donate in her memory, please consider donating to Catholic Charities or Hospicare of Ithaca.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to Theresa’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.