A Service of Farewell to celebrate the life of Teresa Sanci 14th May, 1922 – 21st August, 2013
Frances Tobin Funerals by Women
Reflections of Life Chapel
816 Doncaster Road
Doncaster
Tuesday, 27th August, 2013 2:00pm.
Celebrant: Janis Tait
Teresa will be remembered as a woman who, in her 91 years, touched the lives of many. She was a loving mum, wife, friend, sister, daughter, aunty, neighbor, cousin, mum-in-law and nonna.
Mum, always you will be a part of our lives for
You are the place we came from
You were our first love.
The glow of these candles represent our eternal love.
Teresa's life
It was in 1922 on the other side of the world in Paupisi, a town 50 km from Naples that Liberatore and Concetta DeMarco welcomed Teresa, the fourth of their six children.
Sadly, Teresa’s eldest sister had died within weeks of her birth. And even more tragedy was to befall the family when Teresa’s two older brothers, Marcangelo and Angelo aged 12 and 10 died within a week of each other from diphtheria.
Wanting a better future for his family, Teresa’s father at this time had already migrated to Australia whilst his family remained in Italy until he had the resources to bring them to Australia. It was twelve long years until the family was reunited, and during that time Teresa’s strength of character became evident when, at the tender age of six, she became the main support of her mum in keeping the home running and caring for her two younger brothers, Candido and Fabio. Because of this Teresa always felt responsible for her mum and brothers well into her adult years. Today is not only a sad day, but a poignant one for Teresa was the last of her generation.
Teresa’s mum was a very aware woman and valued a good education so even through the hard depression years and the family tragedies, she did everything possible to enable Teresa to attend school until the age of 14. This was unusual for those times.
After leaving school Teresa was apprenticed to learn the fine arts, of needlework, embroidery and lace making.
A new chapter in Teresa’s life began when in September 1938, 75 years ago, at the age of 16 Teresa, together with her mother and two brothers, left Italy to join her father in Australia where they lived in Lucknow a small town close to Bairnsdale in East Gippsland.
In the early days Teresa worked in her father‘s market garden.
Fortunately for Teresa a wonderful family, the Hadfields, lived next door and Mrs. Hadfield from the early stages took Teresa under her wing, and spent many hours teaching Teresa to read and speak English. To do this Mrs Hadfield worked from her children’s school books and also used every-day basics like recipes and news items for discussion which often went very late into the night. Teresa was delighted when one day she overheard a conversation on the bus and could understand what was being said. This was a big turning point for her and she rushed home to tell Mrs. Hadfield. Throughout Teresa’s life she always held Mrs. Hadfield and her family very dear to her and always regarded them as her second family.
Within a short time of arriving in Australia, the 2nd World War began. Teresa did her bit for her new country by working in a clothing factory in Bairnsdale. This factory had secured a contract to make uniforms for the airforce. Teresa’s skills were soon recognized, and she became first seamstress working mostly in quality control and sampling work for review by the contractors. During this period the factory was also commissioned to make uniforms for the U.S. airforce. This involved new machinery and Teresa’s aptitude was such that she mastered the machinery in record time and trained the other machinists to use the equipment - even coming to train women in the Melbourne factories.
After many admirers Teresa, at the age of 26, met John Sanci through friends in Melbourne and they married in 1948. The newlyweds began their life in Thornbury, then moved to Preston and after 26 years relocated to East Doncaster.
Before children arrived Teresa and John loved to go to the theatre, movies, opera and dancing. They regularly got together with friends to socialize. Once their daughters were born, Diana in 1951, Anna in 1954, and Lena much later in 1964, their hectic social life came to a halt and the business of raising a family took over. However, with Teresa and John’s love of music, though they no longer had the opportunity to go to a concert or the opera, you would often hear them singing an aria to each other around the house. Thus, the music in this service is sentimental as some time ago Teresa selected what should be played when this day came.
During the next 10 years the Sanci family had family members stay with them for lengthy periods until they were able to establish themselves in the city.
When Diana, Anna, and Lena reflect on their childhood, they are grateful to have had a mother who taught them good values that have helped them on their life’s journey. The task of raising the family was really Teresa’s. The key themes for her daughters’ upbringing was: respect; manners; non discrimination; non racism; independence; and basic home skills of cooking, sewing and knitting.
Yes, sewing knitting and crocheting were a big part of what Teresa did to clothe herself and her daughters. For many years their mum sewed and knitted all hers and her daughters’ clothes, as many other women also did in the 1950s to economize. As her daughters matured, they were encouraged to make their own clothes and their mum would spend many hours teaching them how to follow pattern instructions. It wasn’t until her daughters were much older that they wore anything store bought.
Once her daughters were in their own homes Teresa spent many, many hours making each of them a beautiful, very large hand crocheted table cloth as a wonderful heirloom to keep forever and hand onto their children and they to theirs.
When the family shared a meal it was at the dinner table – and Teresa maintained that was the time to go over the day’s events, to talk, to listen, make decisions and solve problems.
Never flush with extra cash Teresa accounted for every penny. She had a great knack of spending very little, and making a feast appear on the table. She kept track of all she spent in many little notepads jotting down what she had spent that week and where she could possibly save to put towards something special or a bill or a mortgage payment. After the weekly shop there were lots of additions and subtractions. She always had a bit tucked away for a rainy day, and would tell her daughters continuously not to spend all they earned because tomorrow was another day – not to spend like it was no tomorrow! She made her daughters divide their pay into three lots– one third for her (their board) one third for the bank, and one third for themselves. She was a stickler for not spending what you didn’t earn.
It would be remiss if we weren’t to acknowledge what a great cook Teresa was. In fact, ‘great cook’ doesn’t do her justice – she was more like a great home chef!
Teresa would mix the traditions of Italy and the traditions of the Australian way of life mostly in her cooking, for example, Christmas was always a grand event - lasagna, turkey, pudding, fruitcake, shortbread, and crostoli.
Teresa loved gardening and gained great satisfaction striking many of her plants from cuttings. The garden was a source of competition between Teresa and John as to who was the best gardener in particular with the vegie patch and the lemon tree!
Teresa was very proud of her heritage, and also proud of all that she achieved in her adopted country. Migrating many years before the post war migrant scheme in the 50s and 60s, Teresa knowing both languages helped friends and family by interpreting for them as they settled in their new country. Later in life she used her linguistic skills when she voluntarily assisted social workers by interpreting for the Italian families of young delinquents.
As you all know, Teresa loved to hear what others had to say, but she also loved to be heard. She was a great advisor, and often helped people through problems that were affecting them at the time. Teresa felt she needed to talk all the time. Perhaps she was fearful she would lose the communication skills she had as she grew older. Sadly, in the last 14 months though unable to make any sense she still persisted and so conversations were very unusual.
Teresa considered herself very fortunate with the addition of her sons-in-law Barry, Gavin and Peter into the family and would always take their side if any decision making needed to be done. Having never lost the art of cooking at its best, her sons-in-law would always look forward to the meals Teresa prepared.
No-one has truly died when they are remembered. In remembering we ensure their spirit continues on in the hearts of others and through their influence on the living. And this is exemplified in Teresa’s grandchildren: Ben, Lara, Adrian and Chloe.
Teresa was very proud of her grandchildren and loved to hear of the successes of Lara, Ben and Adrian. When little Chloe was born, Teresa was much older, however, she looked forward to her visits and seeing her progress.
Grandchildren's tribute to Nonna
Lara, Chloe, Ben & Adrian have written a tribute for their precious Nonna (speech by Ben).
Song for Nonna
By Chloe Campbell, 21-8-13
Your songs were sweet
You liked the garden
You danced around all day
You were very beautiful in every way
Your eyes were blue and sparkled bright
You called me piccinina and held me tight
And took me to see the fishes every time I visited you
And you knitted blankets all cosy and warm
I didn’t know you very well
But have these nice memories of when you were here with us.
When our grandparent passes away, a link in the chain is broken. But I know, just as Teresa would want, her grandchildren will continue to support each other, and so ensure the family chain remains united.
Photo montage displayed, prepared by Ben’s partner, Zoe.
Teresa was always a social butterfly. Whilst John worked to support his family, she would be going to visit friends or family enjoying lunches and afternoon teas
Teresa’s social life was enhanced when the family moved to East Doncaster and she joined the local Italian club. She gained an enormous amount of pleasure from being a member and loved the club trips where she travelled to many Australian cities. Naturally she embraced the many new friends she made at the club, friends that had similar interest and loved her company.
After John’s death, Teresa didn’t shut herself away, instead, she continued to embrace life. At the age of 75 she took her first overseas trip to Europe. Her trip to her old home town in Italy came a few years later when she spent five weeks with her cousin and his wife. She met many of her friends that she had left behind at 16years of age.
And then, would you believe, at the age of 80 she received her first pay check in her married life! This was when she was hired as an extra in a Jan Sardi production of Love’s Brother. She was rapt – famous at last!
At the age of 87 – Teresa decided she wanted to move to independent retirement living and she chose Greenview apartments. She loved her time there, and was a great promoter for the attributes of the establishment. She always had high praise for the team at Greenview and appreciated every effort they made to make each day special. She particularly enjoyed not having to worry about all the tasks needed to keep a home running. Every day she looked and dressed as if it was a special day!
In 2012 Teresa started to become very forgetful. Her daughters knew the time was coming when she would need more care. Towards the end of 2012 she contracted some infections and needed hospitalization. Her forgetfulness was now more pronounced and it was necessary that when she left the hospital she enter aged care at Melaleuca lodge. Once again she had wonderful staff that cared for her and her family is eternally grateful to the team there that cared for Teresa with such great respect ensuring she retained her dignity.
John passed away 19 years ago on the 25th August at Caritis Cristi. Ironically, Teresa passed away on the 21st August also at Caritis Cristi.
Our thoughts are especially with you, Diana, Anna, and Lena.
What a a proud mother you had; dignified, elegant and graceful. Her motto was :
‘Never look unkempt’ …
If you feel awful you still need to look good.
Your mother’s sense of pride was such that she always immaculately dressed you. In your adult years if you visited her looking a bit shabby she would forever be lecturing you on grooming and appearances.
Life changes forever when your mother dies. Not only did she make your life possible, but it was her attitudes and behavior that helped shape your view of the world. Of course, over the years you have formed your own views, however, what you learnt from our mother in those initial years has had a lasting impression. And in the way your mother was always there for you, she ensured you had a sense of love and security and self-worth. No greater gifts can a mother give her daughters.
Your mother leaves you many legacies, including a sense of family and strength of character.
As their mother loved all things beautiful, her daughters invite you to take a flower home with you from the formal arrangement that will be placed in the foyer. When you think on that flower’s beauty, think of all that Teresa brought to this world.
COMMITTAL:
It is time for us to say a final farewell and so, if you can, please stand with me and say the comforting words of The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Teresa, serenely you now rest after a long life of dedication to your family. You depart this world in the knowledge that you have more than achieved your tasks for you leave your family a heritage of trust and love. It gives them comfort to know that you are now reunited, safe in the embrace of your beloved husband.
Your exquisite blue eyes and beautiful smile will be deeply missed.
Death is not a sleep but an awakening to life.
Casting off the dreams of darkness, sorrow, sin and strife –
the soul arising greets the glory of the morning ray –
faring forth into the promise of the golden day.
At the gate that swings between this world and worlds above – stands the Angel of God’s mercy with the lamp of love…
Fear not, for the spirit that has passed into the night.
Death is not sleep, but an awakening to Light.
Frances Tobin Funerals by Women
Reflections of Life Chapel
816 Doncaster Road
Doncaster
Tuesday, 27th August, 2013 2:00pm.
Celebrant: Janis Tait
Teresa will be remembered as a woman who, in her 91 years, touched the lives of many. She was a loving mum, wife, friend, sister, daughter, aunty, neighbor, cousin, mum-in-law and nonna.
Mum, always you will be a part of our lives for
You are the place we came from
You were our first love.
The glow of these candles represent our eternal love.
Teresa's life
It was in 1922 on the other side of the world in Paupisi, a town 50 km from Naples that Liberatore and Concetta DeMarco welcomed Teresa, the fourth of their six children.
Sadly, Teresa’s eldest sister had died within weeks of her birth. And even more tragedy was to befall the family when Teresa’s two older brothers, Marcangelo and Angelo aged 12 and 10 died within a week of each other from diphtheria.
Wanting a better future for his family, Teresa’s father at this time had already migrated to Australia whilst his family remained in Italy until he had the resources to bring them to Australia. It was twelve long years until the family was reunited, and during that time Teresa’s strength of character became evident when, at the tender age of six, she became the main support of her mum in keeping the home running and caring for her two younger brothers, Candido and Fabio. Because of this Teresa always felt responsible for her mum and brothers well into her adult years. Today is not only a sad day, but a poignant one for Teresa was the last of her generation.
Teresa’s mum was a very aware woman and valued a good education so even through the hard depression years and the family tragedies, she did everything possible to enable Teresa to attend school until the age of 14. This was unusual for those times.
After leaving school Teresa was apprenticed to learn the fine arts, of needlework, embroidery and lace making.
A new chapter in Teresa’s life began when in September 1938, 75 years ago, at the age of 16 Teresa, together with her mother and two brothers, left Italy to join her father in Australia where they lived in Lucknow a small town close to Bairnsdale in East Gippsland.
In the early days Teresa worked in her father‘s market garden.
Fortunately for Teresa a wonderful family, the Hadfields, lived next door and Mrs. Hadfield from the early stages took Teresa under her wing, and spent many hours teaching Teresa to read and speak English. To do this Mrs Hadfield worked from her children’s school books and also used every-day basics like recipes and news items for discussion which often went very late into the night. Teresa was delighted when one day she overheard a conversation on the bus and could understand what was being said. This was a big turning point for her and she rushed home to tell Mrs. Hadfield. Throughout Teresa’s life she always held Mrs. Hadfield and her family very dear to her and always regarded them as her second family.
Within a short time of arriving in Australia, the 2nd World War began. Teresa did her bit for her new country by working in a clothing factory in Bairnsdale. This factory had secured a contract to make uniforms for the airforce. Teresa’s skills were soon recognized, and she became first seamstress working mostly in quality control and sampling work for review by the contractors. During this period the factory was also commissioned to make uniforms for the U.S. airforce. This involved new machinery and Teresa’s aptitude was such that she mastered the machinery in record time and trained the other machinists to use the equipment - even coming to train women in the Melbourne factories.
After many admirers Teresa, at the age of 26, met John Sanci through friends in Melbourne and they married in 1948. The newlyweds began their life in Thornbury, then moved to Preston and after 26 years relocated to East Doncaster.
Before children arrived Teresa and John loved to go to the theatre, movies, opera and dancing. They regularly got together with friends to socialize. Once their daughters were born, Diana in 1951, Anna in 1954, and Lena much later in 1964, their hectic social life came to a halt and the business of raising a family took over. However, with Teresa and John’s love of music, though they no longer had the opportunity to go to a concert or the opera, you would often hear them singing an aria to each other around the house. Thus, the music in this service is sentimental as some time ago Teresa selected what should be played when this day came.
During the next 10 years the Sanci family had family members stay with them for lengthy periods until they were able to establish themselves in the city.
When Diana, Anna, and Lena reflect on their childhood, they are grateful to have had a mother who taught them good values that have helped them on their life’s journey. The task of raising the family was really Teresa’s. The key themes for her daughters’ upbringing was: respect; manners; non discrimination; non racism; independence; and basic home skills of cooking, sewing and knitting.
Yes, sewing knitting and crocheting were a big part of what Teresa did to clothe herself and her daughters. For many years their mum sewed and knitted all hers and her daughters’ clothes, as many other women also did in the 1950s to economize. As her daughters matured, they were encouraged to make their own clothes and their mum would spend many hours teaching them how to follow pattern instructions. It wasn’t until her daughters were much older that they wore anything store bought.
Once her daughters were in their own homes Teresa spent many, many hours making each of them a beautiful, very large hand crocheted table cloth as a wonderful heirloom to keep forever and hand onto their children and they to theirs.
When the family shared a meal it was at the dinner table – and Teresa maintained that was the time to go over the day’s events, to talk, to listen, make decisions and solve problems.
Never flush with extra cash Teresa accounted for every penny. She had a great knack of spending very little, and making a feast appear on the table. She kept track of all she spent in many little notepads jotting down what she had spent that week and where she could possibly save to put towards something special or a bill or a mortgage payment. After the weekly shop there were lots of additions and subtractions. She always had a bit tucked away for a rainy day, and would tell her daughters continuously not to spend all they earned because tomorrow was another day – not to spend like it was no tomorrow! She made her daughters divide their pay into three lots– one third for her (their board) one third for the bank, and one third for themselves. She was a stickler for not spending what you didn’t earn.
It would be remiss if we weren’t to acknowledge what a great cook Teresa was. In fact, ‘great cook’ doesn’t do her justice – she was more like a great home chef!
Teresa would mix the traditions of Italy and the traditions of the Australian way of life mostly in her cooking, for example, Christmas was always a grand event - lasagna, turkey, pudding, fruitcake, shortbread, and crostoli.
Teresa loved gardening and gained great satisfaction striking many of her plants from cuttings. The garden was a source of competition between Teresa and John as to who was the best gardener in particular with the vegie patch and the lemon tree!
Teresa was very proud of her heritage, and also proud of all that she achieved in her adopted country. Migrating many years before the post war migrant scheme in the 50s and 60s, Teresa knowing both languages helped friends and family by interpreting for them as they settled in their new country. Later in life she used her linguistic skills when she voluntarily assisted social workers by interpreting for the Italian families of young delinquents.
As you all know, Teresa loved to hear what others had to say, but she also loved to be heard. She was a great advisor, and often helped people through problems that were affecting them at the time. Teresa felt she needed to talk all the time. Perhaps she was fearful she would lose the communication skills she had as she grew older. Sadly, in the last 14 months though unable to make any sense she still persisted and so conversations were very unusual.
Teresa considered herself very fortunate with the addition of her sons-in-law Barry, Gavin and Peter into the family and would always take their side if any decision making needed to be done. Having never lost the art of cooking at its best, her sons-in-law would always look forward to the meals Teresa prepared.
No-one has truly died when they are remembered. In remembering we ensure their spirit continues on in the hearts of others and through their influence on the living. And this is exemplified in Teresa’s grandchildren: Ben, Lara, Adrian and Chloe.
Teresa was very proud of her grandchildren and loved to hear of the successes of Lara, Ben and Adrian. When little Chloe was born, Teresa was much older, however, she looked forward to her visits and seeing her progress.
Grandchildren's tribute to Nonna
Lara, Chloe, Ben & Adrian have written a tribute for their precious Nonna (speech by Ben).
Song for Nonna
By Chloe Campbell, 21-8-13
Your songs were sweet
You liked the garden
You danced around all day
You were very beautiful in every way
Your eyes were blue and sparkled bright
You called me piccinina and held me tight
And took me to see the fishes every time I visited you
And you knitted blankets all cosy and warm
I didn’t know you very well
But have these nice memories of when you were here with us.
When our grandparent passes away, a link in the chain is broken. But I know, just as Teresa would want, her grandchildren will continue to support each other, and so ensure the family chain remains united.
Photo montage displayed, prepared by Ben’s partner, Zoe.
Teresa was always a social butterfly. Whilst John worked to support his family, she would be going to visit friends or family enjoying lunches and afternoon teas
Teresa’s social life was enhanced when the family moved to East Doncaster and she joined the local Italian club. She gained an enormous amount of pleasure from being a member and loved the club trips where she travelled to many Australian cities. Naturally she embraced the many new friends she made at the club, friends that had similar interest and loved her company.
After John’s death, Teresa didn’t shut herself away, instead, she continued to embrace life. At the age of 75 she took her first overseas trip to Europe. Her trip to her old home town in Italy came a few years later when she spent five weeks with her cousin and his wife. She met many of her friends that she had left behind at 16years of age.
And then, would you believe, at the age of 80 she received her first pay check in her married life! This was when she was hired as an extra in a Jan Sardi production of Love’s Brother. She was rapt – famous at last!
At the age of 87 – Teresa decided she wanted to move to independent retirement living and she chose Greenview apartments. She loved her time there, and was a great promoter for the attributes of the establishment. She always had high praise for the team at Greenview and appreciated every effort they made to make each day special. She particularly enjoyed not having to worry about all the tasks needed to keep a home running. Every day she looked and dressed as if it was a special day!
In 2012 Teresa started to become very forgetful. Her daughters knew the time was coming when she would need more care. Towards the end of 2012 she contracted some infections and needed hospitalization. Her forgetfulness was now more pronounced and it was necessary that when she left the hospital she enter aged care at Melaleuca lodge. Once again she had wonderful staff that cared for her and her family is eternally grateful to the team there that cared for Teresa with such great respect ensuring she retained her dignity.
John passed away 19 years ago on the 25th August at Caritis Cristi. Ironically, Teresa passed away on the 21st August also at Caritis Cristi.
Our thoughts are especially with you, Diana, Anna, and Lena.
What a a proud mother you had; dignified, elegant and graceful. Her motto was :
‘Never look unkempt’ …
If you feel awful you still need to look good.
Your mother’s sense of pride was such that she always immaculately dressed you. In your adult years if you visited her looking a bit shabby she would forever be lecturing you on grooming and appearances.
Life changes forever when your mother dies. Not only did she make your life possible, but it was her attitudes and behavior that helped shape your view of the world. Of course, over the years you have formed your own views, however, what you learnt from our mother in those initial years has had a lasting impression. And in the way your mother was always there for you, she ensured you had a sense of love and security and self-worth. No greater gifts can a mother give her daughters.
Your mother leaves you many legacies, including a sense of family and strength of character.
As their mother loved all things beautiful, her daughters invite you to take a flower home with you from the formal arrangement that will be placed in the foyer. When you think on that flower’s beauty, think of all that Teresa brought to this world.
COMMITTAL:
It is time for us to say a final farewell and so, if you can, please stand with me and say the comforting words of The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Teresa, serenely you now rest after a long life of dedication to your family. You depart this world in the knowledge that you have more than achieved your tasks for you leave your family a heritage of trust and love. It gives them comfort to know that you are now reunited, safe in the embrace of your beloved husband.
Your exquisite blue eyes and beautiful smile will be deeply missed.
Death is not a sleep but an awakening to life.
Casting off the dreams of darkness, sorrow, sin and strife –
the soul arising greets the glory of the morning ray –
faring forth into the promise of the golden day.
At the gate that swings between this world and worlds above – stands the Angel of God’s mercy with the lamp of love…
Fear not, for the spirit that has passed into the night.
Death is not sleep, but an awakening to Light.
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