Theresa Cignarella

Theresa E. (Maitilasso) Cignarella of East Hanover, NJ passed peacefully surrounded by family on October 30. A beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, she was 108, still beautiful and vibrant. Theresa was born 1915 in Washington Heights, New York. She served as a Neighborhood Air Raid Warden during World War II and Officer of the Columbus Hospital Auxiliary.
She was married to Michael "Mickey" Cignarella for 68 years who predeceased her in 2005. Her love for Mickey was beyond bounds and they shared a beautiful marriage travelling the world and dancing the "Foxtrot" wherever and whenever. They enjoyed playing golf, bowling, socializing and spending time with family, particularly on the Jersey Shore in Lavallette. Not a summer Sunday dinner (afternoon) passed without Theresa making her famous "Macaroni" for her adoring, large family flock.
A lifelong homemaker, Theresa's faith was core to her being. She said the Rosary daily and was devoted to the Blessed Mother. Her faith fueled her perpetual sunny view of life. Theresa and Mickey never missed a Sunday service. As important as faith was to Theresa, family was equally as vital. At family parties, she was the person to see, the center of social gravity. She loved to be with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren feeding off their youthful energy while showcasing her trademark stamina, carefully inquiring about their respective lives and sharing her motto: "To Love and be Loved!"
Theresa was remarkably disciplined about her morning ritual which consisted of oatmeal, toast and a print version of The Star Ledger. She was always current with world events fluidly opining on issues of the day often with a rhetorically questioned ending.
Later in life, Theresa was enormously blessed to benefit from the "shining light" care she received from her long-term caretaker, Nino who became a surrogate daughter. Nino provided Theresa with limitless love and conveyed an abundant capacity for kindness. Ekaterina also provided exemplary care to Theresa, as a 24/7 guardian and protector. Mari, who helped in the summer was a true companion. To these magnificent and loving Georgian women we say:

Theresa is survived by her son, Richard and his wife Mary Ellen; daughter Connie and her companion Frank. Theresa's son Frank, his wife Millie and Connie's husband, Dominic predeceased her. She is survived by her grandchildren Theresa and her husband Laszlo; Margaret and her husband Bill; Patty and her husband Andrew; Elisabeth and her husband, David; Dana and her husband Robert; John and his wife Gabriela; Michael his companion Josette; and John his wife Andrea. Theresa is survived by her great grandchildren who she truly treasured Christine, Katie, Liam, Mary Rose, Aimee, Katerina, Andrew, Christopher, Juliette, Lainey, Dominic, Frankie, Gavin, Nicolette, Michael, Dawson and Tori.
Visiting hours will occur November 1, 4pm-8pm at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Ave., Roseland, NJ 07068. A memorial service will take place Saturday, November 2, 9:30am at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 S Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Chester-Mendham Angels, www.chester-mendhamangels.com, 6 Chester Woods Drive, Chester, NJ 07930.