Theresa Papay, beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and great grandma, of West Abbott Street Lansford, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Friday, June 2, 2023, at home while in the tender care of her beloved daughters. She was 79 years of age.
Born Friday, May 26, 1944 in Clearfield, PA, the daughter of the late Charles, Sr., and Santa (Costanza) Mitchell. Theresa was also predeceased by her husband Thomas A. Papay of Palmerton, PA on March 11, 2013.
Surviving are daughters, Serena E. Mitchell of Pottsville, Stacy Ann Kerstetter wife of Dave of Nesquehoning, Dawn M. Keppler wife of Bob of Bristol, WI; sister, Bunny Rebar; brothers, Phil Mitchell and his wife Helen, Louis Mitchell and his wife Sylvia, Charles Mitchell, Jr. and his wife Lynda, Russell Miceli and his wife Pam; grandchildren, Kayla Dingman wife of James. Alyssa Mundy and her companion Tyler Burkhart and Lexi Kerstetter; great grandchildren, Lilah, and Devin; step-sons, Bryan Fuhrer and his wife Lynne, Pat Papay and his wife Marty.
A graduate of St. Francis Catholic High School in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, Theresa earned her cosmetology licenses after high school. A long time parishioner of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Lansford. A terrific cook, Theresa had worked in the cafeteria for the Panther Valley School District, and at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Medical Center for many years. Theresa volunteered at the Congregational Church in Coaldale to help make Welsh Cookies, was a member of the Silver Sneakers at the Tamaqua Y.M.C.A., and was an integral member of Lansford Alive which sponsored Music in the Park in Lansford to foster her love of music.
Theresa's greatest love was her daughters, and grandchildren. She looked forward to family celebrations, the family dogs; Finnley, Charlie, Callie, Belle, Ellie, Nola, Bentley Bean and Harper Jean. She also loved caring for her garden, flowers that surrounded her home and decorating for the holidays. She was an avid Zumba class attendee and enjoyed working out at The Zoo Health Club in Lehighton of most recent.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Celebration of Theresa's Life will be held on Monday June 12, 2023 at 6 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 4:00 P.M. until the time of the service.
Memorials in her honor to:
American Fire Company # 1
P.O. Box 6
Lansford, Pennsylvania 18232
Online condolences or a find memory of Theresa may be made to the family at
www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com