Theresa Cannavo

1915 - 2015

Longtime Arrochar resident Theresa Cannavo, 100, a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who had a great love for life and adventure, died Thursday in the Addeo House, Egbertville.

Born Theresa D'Alessandro in Manhattan, Mrs. Cannavo had lived in Arrochar since 1944.

She was a graduate of Julia Richmond High School, Manhattan. After raising her family, she worked for about 15 years as a data processor for Manufacturer's Hanover and Chemical Bank, both in Manhattan. She retired in 1973.

The mother-in-law of the late former councilman Jay O'Donovan, she celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 13 in the Hilton Garden Inn, surrounded by her family and friends.

Mrs. Cannavo had a zest for adventure and traveled the world in her lifetime. She visited Russia, India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Tibet, Nepal, Israel, Egypt, Greece, France, England and Germany, among other places. She also visited Italy several times each year to visit with family and, in later years, she enjoyed visiting Altantic City.

"I don't think you could name two place she hasn't been,'' said her daughter, Vita O'Donovan. She did all kinds of things -- rode elephants and camels. She just did everything. She gave us, her children, the love of travel and adventure. She was an incredible, incredible mom.''

Mrs. Cannavo was a longtime parishioner of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, South Beach.

Her husband of 60 years, Vito, died in 2004. She is survived by her sons, Vito, Vincent and John; her daughters, Vita O'Donovan, Joy Cappucci and Annette Panteli; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church. Burial will be in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.