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Theresa C. "Terry" Defino

Theresa C. "Terry" Defino obituary

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Landmark Funeral Home

4200 Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood, Florida

Theresa Defino Obituary

Defino, Theresa "Terry" C., 79 of Hollywood, passed away June 5, 2011. She graduated from Newark State Teachers College in 1953 and worked for several years in New Jersey as a kindergarten and second grade teacher. She and Ralph A. Defino celebrated their golden anniversary in October, 2005. The couple moved to Florida in 1963, where they raised six children. Mrs. Defino became a Physical Therapy Assistant in 1978 and later worked for many years for a local orthopedic surgeon, helping grateful patients recover from illness and injury. Mr. Defino retired from the Broward public school system in 1993 after 32 years of service; his last position was principal of Sheridan Hills Elementary. Mrs. Defino was devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren, and her caring nature, elegance and strength made her an inspiration to each of them. She had many interests, including cooking, gardening, and traveling. She especially loved spending time with her husband, children and her wonderful friends amid the mountains of Georgia, where she reveled in the change in the seasons and found a deep sense of peace. Survived by her husband, Ralph; son Stephen (Ivy); daughters Linda (Corky), Theresa, Kathleen (David), Mary Ellen, and Diane (Andy); sister Jacqueline; grandchildren: Danny, Jonathan, Sofia, Kyle, Carolyn, Chloe, Paul, Julia, Sieta and Annabella. Visitation Wednesday 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. with a Prayer Service Wednesday evening at Landmark Funeral Home. Funeral Mass Thursday, June 9, 2011, 10 a.m. at Nativity Catholic Church followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In her memory, the family suggests donations to Broward Health Hospice of Gold Coast, 2101 W. Commercial Blvd., Suite 4500, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309, 954-785-2990. Arrangements by Landmark Funeral Home; 4200 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33021 954-989-8220.

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Published by Sun-Sentinel from Jun. 6 to Jun. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Theresa Defino

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Sue Wyrick

May 31, 2019

Tomorrow is our Sweetwater Picnic 2019 and I just wanted to say we will be thinking of Terry and all of the other wonderful neighbors that have passed over these years. You are all missed but wonderfully remembered!! :)

Jeff Pelline

June 13, 2011

Theresa,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Best wishes to you and your children.
-Jeff, Mitchell and Shannon Pelline

Susan Poulter

June 8, 2011

There were 4 of us "Sweetwater Sisters", & now only 3. How sad. Terry was the sweetest, most loving person, always putting family and friends first. She's my role model who taught me how to relax & detach from worries. I'll always see her sitting in the porch swing of their cabin, piddling in the yard, or preparing the MOST delicious authentic Italian "gravy" ever. Now, she's doing these things in heaven for the Lord, and angels & saints.

Susan & John Poulter

June 8, 2011

There were 4 of us "Sweetwater Sisters" & now we're only 3. Terry was such a special, loving person who always put family and friends before herself. I'll always see my sweet sister in the porch swing of her cabin or piddling in the yard. And, what a cook she was, her Italian "gravy" was THE best. We must take comfort in knowing she is with the Lord, and all the angels in saints in heaven.

Lisa Gutierrez-Sangal

June 8, 2011

As a former paraprofessional at Sheridan Hills Elem, I had the pleasure of knowing the Defino family. Ralph was my first principal and Terry was a beautiful kind woman so full of love who enjoyed life to the fullest along with her loving family. She will be missed by many and may God bless you Terry, your wonderful husband Ralph, and the entire Defino family during this saddened time of loss.

Benny Lee & Sue Wyrick

June 8, 2011

May the memories of Terry and the Love you all carry in your hearts for her comfort you at this time of loss. Please know that your neighbors here in Sweetwater have heavy hearts , but smiles as well ! Terry will be missed , but never forgotten. May God comfort you all at this time. Benny Lee & Sue Wyrick

Eddie Castillo

June 8, 2011

The "Defino" name will always be remembered in my heart for many reasons. I was a student of sheridan hills K-5th headed by a great mentor other than my father Mr. Defino. I am grateful to have met the family. Mrs. Defino always welcomed me with such a soft, sweet voice. Such a loving person which is now being past on to her children and grandchilden. Mrs. Defino if there is a way u can read this or feel what I am saying "thank you for all you have done and may u rest in peace."

Annette and Family

June 8, 2011

Dear Uncle Ralph and all my cousins,
Our thoughts have been with you over these last few difficult weeks and we are sorry for the loss of such a beautiful person that was "Aunt Terry". She will live on in the hearts and minds of all that knew her, especially her children and grandchildren. Sincerely, and with love.

Linda Strutz

June 8, 2011

Terry Defino is a woman who I admired for her dedication, passion, personality, interests, and her warm and welcoming smile. Her support of her husband Ralph was something we, the fortunate who taught with him at Sheridan Hills truly appreciated. I have fond memories of Terry visiting and supporting us at school, events, parties and strolling Downtown with Ralph. She always stopped in the dance studio to visit me. Terry, may you rest in peace and know you will be missed by the many whose life you have touched!
Always,
Linda Strutz

Debbie Corriveau

June 8, 2011

How blessed I am to have walked into Sheridan Hills Elementary so long ago for I walked into a life time of love!! Knowing the Defino family has left so much love in my heart. Mrs. Defino was an amazing woman and I am a better person for having known her and her family. May she rest in peace and may you find comfort in your heart.

Gina & Joel Giacobbe

June 7, 2011

When I began working at Sheridan Hills, just out of college, Mrs. Defino was one of the first people I met. She encouraged me along with Mr. Defino to put family first and my husband, Joel and I have always remembered and lived by that. She was true mother to everyone who met her. May God comfort the Defino family and know she is always watching over her family.

Holly Mullen

June 7, 2011

To Theresa and family:

I am sorry I never met Terry. But I do know Theresa, and her mother's influence is apparent in Theresa's intelligence, compassion and love for and protection of Sofia, Paul and Julia. I send you my condolences and wish you peace and comfort.

Linda Metzler

June 7, 2011

Mrs. Defino was a Lady. She was loved by all who knew her. During the time you were at Sheridan Hills, Mr. Defino, she was a mother to us all. She had such a caring way about her. She made anyone in her presence feel special and loved. I know she will be truly missed by many, but she will also be remembered by many.
Right now she is spreading her love throughout the heavens.

william schrimsher

June 7, 2011

Ralph,
God Bless and comfort you and your family
in your time of grief.

Joyce & Bill

June 7, 2011

What a sweet lady Terry was. Full of life. Devoted to her family. She lived a long life and now has gone home to be with the Lord. Last time I saw her was at Billy and Tish's house last fall. Sam and Dolores had come for a visit. Terry had a special fondness for "Sweetwater subdivision" and it's people. We always enjoyed seeing her. Terry we love and miss you. Your little cabin on the hill will never be the same. RIP

Gene and Judy Huff, Clarkesville, GA

Fred (Bubba) Simon

June 7, 2011

To the Delfino Family:
It must have been back in the Fall 2-3 years ago that I first met Terry and Ralph. My sister, Susan and husband, John Poulter had invited them over to their house while I was visiting them in the northern Georgia Mountains. What a wonderful meeting of two of the most sincere loveliest people I had ever met! Before the night was over they made made me feel like I was part of their family. They reminded me so much of my parents who have been gone for a number of years now. I returned to the Northern Georgia mountains the next year and attended a mass at the Catholic Church and who should be there but Terry and Ralph. It was good to see them both again. I know that Terry went through a very long ordeal until her death. She is now in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She no longer suffers and is walking the Golden streets of Heaven. May God wrap His loving arms around each of you during your loss of your wife and mother. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Jan Elger

June 7, 2011

It was always nice to see Ralph and Terry arrive at their mountain house in N. GA. Terry was often outside catching up on yard work when we walked by with our dogs. She was a friendly vibrant person: our street felt complete when she and Ralph were here. God bless you all - you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary & Fred Miller

June 7, 2011

Ralph and family--We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. We did share some terrific times with Terry, you and the DeFino/Pierce gang. God bless you all.

David Defino

June 7, 2011

Uncle Ralph and Cousins, please know in this difficult time you are all in our thoughts and prayers up here in NJ. Cousin George Brenner said it best that Aunt Terry is surely in a glorious place! I will always remember her for her beauty, style, grace, and devotion to Uncle Ralph and children. David Defino (Basking Ridge, NJ)

Suzanne Bernstein

June 7, 2011

May beautiful and special memories of Terry, one so loved, respected and who cared so about others, stay close to your heart always to bring peace and comfort in times that are difficult to bear.
Our sincerest condolences.
Suzanne and Sid Bernstein Weehawken, NJ

June 6, 2011

Ralph and family, while this has been very hard on each one of you just know that Terry is in God's hands and there is no more pain and one day we all will see her again. We love Terry and just having a chance to have known her and the family these past 4 years has been a blessing for us. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Ronnie & Joanni Conrad
Sweetwater friends
Clarkesville, Ga.

Brigitta Mullican

June 6, 2011

Theresa, your mom contributed a lot to society and left a great family. I didn't know you also had six siblings. My prayers are with you during this sad time.

Rebecca DeFrees

June 6, 2011

Theresa - I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She sounds like a wonderful person. I will be thinking of you and hoping you have peace.

George Brenner

June 6, 2011

Terry, our heart goes out to you, and your Dad, as well as your sisters, brother, and the grandchildren. I spoke with Aunt Corinne yesterday and, of course, her heart is sad. Please let your family know that Ellen's and my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Be at peace knowing that your Mom's strong faith and good deeds will surely carry her to a glorious place. George & Ellen

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