Obituary
Guest Book
Theodora J. Batacchi (Teddi), beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home in Sheffield, MA on Friday, September 26, 2025 at the age of 97.
A nearly 75 year resident of Sheffield, Teddi was born July 5, 1928, the daughter of Dr. Theodore A. Jost and Mrs. Elsie A. Jost of Mount Vernon, NY. She attended A.B. Davis High School in Mount Vernon, graduating in 1947.
Teddi was employed in retail and at a real estate office in Mount Vernon before moving to Sheffield. She was then employed at Jenifer House in Great Barrington, running The Country Store. Teddi developed an interest in collecting antiques and opened her own shop while raising her children, Westview Antiques. She became her husband Paul’s office manager and accountant for his paving and landscaping business for decades. Teddi then happily transitioned into working for her sons multiple businesses. She was Pete’s office manager and finance officer for Pete’s Sales and Service, Pete’s Sweeper Service and Pete’s Paving, Inc. until 2021, retiring at 93 years young.
Teddi was a longtime member of Old Parish Church in Sheffield and sang in the choir.
She had many interests and hobbies that she enjoyed including sewing, needlework, weaving, gardening, creating jewelry, traveling, raising golden retrievers and most especially making quilts.
Teddi was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Paul S. Batacchi, and two sisters, Adelaide Prezzano and Barbara Tryon.
She is survived by her sons, Robert Lee of Palm Bay, FL, Paul Batacchi, II and partner Holly Cavanaugh of Ashley Falls, MA, Peter Batacchi and Theodore Batacchi both of Sheffield, MA, daughter Patricia Percy and husband Michael of Clearwater, FL, and step-daughter Bya Batacchi of Great Barrington, MA. As well as her beloved grandchildren, Zachery, Brent, Tyler, Trent, Courtney, Serena, Ashley, Danny, Austin, and Ciera and her precious great-granddaughters, Raelyn, Amelia and baby Sophia.
SERVICES - The family of Theodora J. Batacchi will receive friends on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, MA.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Sheffield (Old Parish Church) conducted by Rev. Jill Graham. Followed by a burial at Sheffield Center Cemetery and a reception at the Sheffield Fire Department.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Teddi may be made to the Sheffield Fire Department c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more