Theresa M. Lussier

Preston - Theresa M. (Cavallo) Lussier, 74, of Preston, passed away peacefully on a sunny Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, while listening to Frank Sinatra, overlooking Batterson Lake, and surrounded by her loving family and friends in her family home in New Britain.

She was born on Feb. 22, 1936, in New Britain, to Teresa Dorio and Americo J. Cavallo, who predeceased her. Theresa was the eldest of five children. She is survived by her brothers, Americo J. Cavallo Jr. of New Britain and Anthony Cavallo of Plainville.

She was predeceased by her sister, Paula Cavallo Ludko in 1988 and brother, Sebastian Cavallo in 1950.

A New Britain High School class of 1953 graduate, Theresa was a studious, ambitious, and spirited student. She loved being a majorette and could be found twirling her baton, at times with the special effects of fire, at New Britain High football games as well other sporting and pep rally events. Following her high school graduation, Theresa left New Britain and pursued an education in nursing by enrolling in Connecticut College and Lawrence & Memorial Nursing School Program. She graduated with honors in 1956 and passed her state examination becoming a registered nurse.

Without a doubt, Theresa thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of nursing as well as living along the shoreline. Due to the love of her profession and the water, Theresa's desire to settle down near the ocean, both professionally and personally, was her goal.

After a romantic courtship during college, Theresa married Leo J. Lussier on Sept. 2, 1957, at St. Mary's Church in New Britain. Leo predeceased her on Sept. 27, 2007, after 50 years of marriage, with Theresa by his side. Making their home in Preston, Theresa and Leo had always wished for a large family with many children. Sadly, Natalie, who was born in November 1960, died in June 1961 from a congenital kidney disease, and Joseph was stillborn in 1966. Her daughter, Paula Lussier Mekkelsen, survives her and while she had wished for many children, she accepted her fate and made a wonderful life for her only surviving child.

She made her career as an RN specializing in psychiatric nursing. She was employed by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and dedicated her services to Norwich Hospital from were she retired as a RN supervisor. She was very sensitive to the needs of others and genuinely dedicated herself in taking care of those suffering from mental health and/or addiction conditions. A true Florence Nightengale-like persona, always with bags packed and supplies in tow, Theresa responded to any and all in need: family, friend, neighbor, patient, or stranger. Whether it be illness or a positive situation such as a birth of a baby, Theresa was always in tune with the needs of others and frequently put her own needs on hold in order to tend to the care of another. Her energy, dedication, compassion, and perseverance were beyond reproach as she would remain available until her nursing was no longer necessary.

In addition to her Florence-Nightengale-persona, Theresa was the biggest cheerleader and number one fan of her grandchildren, Stephen Leo and Autumn Laurell Mekkelsen. Keeping up with ESPN SportsCenter and wearing the appropriate sporting attire to support their respective activities, no matter the weather condition, Theresa could be seen cheering on her grandchildren on football fields, baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, dance recitals, music recitals, awards ceremonies, and graduations. They became her pride and joy. Stephen and Autumn survive her.

Survivors include her daughter, Paula Mekkelsen and her friend, David; grandchildren, Stephen Leo and Autumn Laurell; and their father, Stephen; brothers, Americo "Rick" Cavallo and Anthony Cavallo and his wife, Teresa; brother-in-law, John Ludko and his friend, Pat; and sister-in-law, Jan Robidoux and her husband, Henry. Niece and nephews include Tammy Connelly, Michelle Cavallo, Rick Cavallo, Michael and Maria Cavallo, John Ludko and his wife, Debbie, Craig Ludko and his wife, Julie, Anthony Cavallo and his wife, Monique, Gina Cavallo, Amy Kowynia and her husband, Victor, Melissa O'Brien and her husband, Sean, Dawn Harrington and her husband, Paul, and Kathy Rochon and her friend, Larry. She is also survived by many loving second cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral Rites for Theresa will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, with the procession departing at 8:30 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker/Farmingdale Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley St., New Britain. Committal service and final resting place will be in St. Mary Cemetery, 1309 Stanley St., New Britain. Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m Thursday at the Paul A. Shaker/Farmingdale Funeral Home. Directions to funeral home are: I-84 east or west - Exit 37 (Fienemann Road) right off exit - one mile down on right.

To light a candle, extend condolences to the Lussier family, or to share a memory of Theresa, please visit shakerfuneralhome.com