Theodora Marie Capezio

We come together to celebrate the rich, vibrant life of Theodora Marie Capezio, a pillar of compassion and dedication in her community. Born on September 1, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland, Theodora set forth on a journey of service and passion that would leave an indelible mark on all who knew her. She closed her final chapter on January 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and unwavering care.
A devoted wife, Theodora was the cherished partner of the late Marion James Capezio. She honored her parents, the late Vincent and Mary Rybikowski, through a lifetime of caregiving and empathy. Theodora's role as a nurturing mother was unmatched, shepherding her beloved sons Timothy J., Jeffrey B. with wife Ellen Lemaster, Matthew V. with his late wife Sandy, Mark P. with wife Heather, and remembering tenderly her late sons Gregory J. and Dennis J. Capezio. Her warmth radiated as a grandmom to Jeffrey, Victoria, Ashley, Kirk, Joey, Megan, Sean, Josh, Courtney, Buddy, Jen, Shelby, and the late Brandon, all of whom she loved dearly. She also had numerous loving great grandchildren, Conor, Audrey, Aiden, Emma, Ella, Brynlee, Aubrianna, Peyton, Morgan, Tre, Micha, Rylee and Kenley.
Her commitment to service was reflected in her educational endeavors; Theodora graduated from Nursing School at Mercy, in Baltimore, in 1955 and later secured a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame College. Her sister, Theresa, remembers her as a lifelong learner and a pillar of strength.
For more than four decades, Theodora's compassionate heart touched countless lives at Mercy Hospital where she served as a dedicated registered nurse. Continuing her calling in healthcare, she spent over ten years providing comfort and care to the patients at Stella Maris Hospice, exemplifying selflessness and human kindness.
How have you navigated disruptions in your industry to remain a top professional? In 1962, I was pregnant with my third child. I quit working and didn't go back for17 years because I stayed home to raise my children. When I went back all those years later, everything was so different. The technology in the field was nothing like it was when it first started. I decided I wanted to get my degree, but I ended up enjoying bedside nursing and I didn't want to do anything else. In my last six years in the field, I worked in hospice and retired when I was 70.
What are two key behavior/personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? Having compassion and the desire to help others. Also, the drive to educate patients and co-workers. Over the years as a hospice nurse, I learned how to talk to patients. I realized there was a need for that because nursing had changed so much while I was on leave to raise my family.
What new innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? Computers, because they are advancing what we do. Right before I retired, we learned how to keep electronic records.
What excited you the most about your industry? What I liked about nursing was feeling that I could affect people in a meaningful way that the average person couldn't. This made me feel good about myself. I always tried really hard to help patients when they were at bad points in their lives.
Theodora cultivated beauty both in her gardens and through her travels, exploring the world with an adventurous spirit, crossing destinations like Hawaii, Italy, Germany, and Ireland off her list. Her zest for life was equally present on the home front as a fan of the Ravens and Orioles and in the joyous moments spent cracking crabs surrounded by family.
Her legacy is that of a loving, faith-filled woman who never missed an opportunity to connect, whether with old friends from Mercy, or those she met throughout her journey in life. Theodora Marie Capezio lived a life that was as blooming and radiant as the flowers she so adored. She will be dearly missed but her nurturing spirit will continue to inspire all those she touched.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Theodora's life at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Parkton MD, for a visitation on Friday, January 19th 2024, from 9-11AM. A funeral mass will be held at 11AM. Interment to follow at Gardens of Faith Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Penn-Mar Human Services
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