Lewes resident Theresa Criscio celebrates her 99th birthday
Theresa Criscio celebrated her 99th birthday in February at Cadbury, a continuing care facility in Lewes, where she is a resident. About 50 relatives and friends including some from Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey attended her party.
The relatives who attended included children Terry Cassanelli and her husband Bob, and Ralph Criscio; grandchildren Craig Cassanelli and his wife Sandy, Cheryl Cassanelli, Carrie Cassanelli, Christie Criscio, Ralph Criscio Jr. and his wife Bridget; and great-grandchildren Samantha and Amanda Cassanelli, the children of Craig and Sandy, and Vincent and Kaleona, the children of Ralph Jr. and Bridget. Several people told stories of how Theresa influenced their lives and helped them through her positive outlook on life.
Theresa was a resident of West Springfield, Mass., for 90 years - first on Norman Street where her parents lived, then on Piper Road after she married her husband Ralph. Her son Ralph Jr. and his wife Judy currently live in West Springfield also.
Prior to her move to Cadbury, Theresa lived with her daughter Terry and her husband Bob in Rehoboth Beach.
Theresa was employed by Baker’s Extract Co., Sickles and the Black Horse Motel in West Springfield, where she worked prior to retiring. She was known as “Auntie Theresa” by the hundreds of children who belonged to her 4-H club. She was a leader of the 4-H Diggers of West Springfield for 45 years. During that time, she received numerous awards including those for her window displays in many of the businesses in town. She was a member of St. Ann’s Church and Sodality prior to moving to Delaware.
While a resident of Rehoboth Beach, she was a member of the Harbour Lights Senior Center, St. Edmond’s Church and the Glade Quilters while living at the Glade. She became “Mom” to all who met her.
She especially enjoys watching her favorite Red Sox baseball team. “Win or lose, I like them,” is one of her favorite sayings.
In addition she tells everyone, “I may not be Mae West, but I’ll do my best.” She enjoys telling stories of her growing-up days and her early family life on Norman Street when West Springfield was still a farming community.
Theresa loves playing bingo and taking part in the many activities at Cadbury. She always has a smile for everyone she meets and makes their day a little brighter. She loves people and was blessed with a long life that she could share with her family and friends so they could all learn from her to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The family would like to thank all those who made this birthday so special.
