Theresa Marie Cestari

Theresa Marie (Teri/Tess) Cestari, 99, passed away April 15, 2021 with her daughters by her side. Born February 16, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York, she was a resident of Miami, Florida for over 75 years. She graduated from Miami Senior High School, then attended McDowell School of Costume Design in New York. In the 1940s, Teri studied radio communications with aspirations of joining the Women's Army Corps (WAC); however, her father would not allow it. Years later, she encouraged her grandchildren to enter the service. Her beloved husband, Nicholas Cestari, and her loving son, Matthew Cestari, predeceased her. She was an accomplished and sought-after seamstress, making beautiful wedding gowns, formal dresses, suits and more for family and friends. She loved her daily crossword puzzle and was an avid gardener. She was Italian through and through, making delicious, simple food for family and neighbors. Her home was surrounded by the flowers and herbs she grew, and their lovely scent floated on the air. Teri's laugh could be heard at family gatherings, tucked away in the kitchen, cooking with Nonna. She loved Jeopardy, Scrabble, and a good book. She believed in God, and her faith was the cornerstone for her. We will miss you for all of these, but most of all for your elegance, tenacity, quick wit and strength, and the way you brushed on lipstick and carried on in every situation. Rest in peace, Mom. We love you! You lived a long and full life, and we were blessed to have you. Theresa is survived by children Donna Ellis, Diane Reed, Doreen Cestari; grandchildren Brian Wilkie, Jennifer Lattimore, William Ellis, Jeannine Theresa Ellis, Andrea Schklar, Derek Schklar; great-grandchildren Matthew Buffington, Katherine Molnar, Grace Lattimore, Ella Lattimore, Daniel Ellis, Caleb Wilkie, Luke Wilkie, Jameson Wilkie, Ari Amnetsang, and Fiona Theresa Amnetsang. A private graveside service will be held on April 24, 2021 (11:30 AM) at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.