Theresa Agresto

Theresa Agresto was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Feb. 3, 1920. Born to immigrant parents Terry, as she was known through most of her life, was proud to be a first generation American.

Sickly as a child, she grew to be a robust adult full of joy and vitality. A child of the Depression, she understood want, but also learned the value of family. After high school, she joined the workforce and when World War II broke out she began work supporting the military effort.

In 1944, she married John Agresto and remained happily married until his death 53 years later. They had three children, John, Michael and Donna (Haustowich). After living in the New York/New Jersey area for 81 years, Terry moved to Fountain Hills in 2001 to be closer to her daughter.

Terry became active in the community almost immediately. She joined the original Senior Center and followed on to the new Community Center. Besides volunteer work she was active in many organizations and activities. For many years she headed or partook in mahjong, canasta, scrabble, table talk and bingo. She crocheted booties and blankets for charity. She was active in some of these activities late into her 96th year.

Terry lived independently until she fell and broke her hip in September 2016. After rehab, she began the final chapter of her life when she moved into the MorningStar Assisted Living facility. Here she made new friends with the residents and a very caring staff. She loved living there and continued her active lifestyle right to the end.

Terry died just a few weeks short of her 98th birthday. Until the end, she had a sharp mind and a sharper wit. She was proud of many things in her life — her family, her ability to trounce all her friends at MorningStar in Scrabble or the crosswords— but sometimes it seemed she was proudest of the fact that she was really old. She knew it was an accomplishment.

Terry is survived by her three children and their spouses, Cathy, Josephine and John; four grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held at the Church of the Ascension on Friday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society would be appreciated.

Terry loved Fountain Hills and Fountain Hills loved her. Godspeed.