Ishpeming-Teresa (Valela) Bertucci, age 93, of 219 E. Johnson Street in Ishpeming, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at her home under the loving care of her family.

Teresa was born in Ishpeming on May 20, 1922, to Frank and Mary (Donato) Valela.
She was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, class of 1941.

Before she began the most important work of her life – raising her family – she waitressed at the Venice Supper Club, which she thoroughly enjoyed. It was there that she met her future husband Jack, whom she married in 1946. She was also very proud of her employment at the H. W. Gossard Company, where she worked on the assembly line.

Teresa's faith was a very important part of her life. She was a devout Catholic and a life-long member of St. John the Evangelist Church. She was also an active member of the Ladies Guild and the Paisano Club for many years.

Teresa and Jack raised fifteen children of their own, but their home was a haven for countless others over the years. Whether you needed a cup of coffee, a good meal, or a place to stay, the door to Teresa's was always open. She truly loved to care for others and no one ever left her home hungry.

Teresa's greatest legacy is her family. She is survived by her sister Cathy (Pete) Carlson. She is also survived by her children John (Lavonne), Mary (Mike) Patierno, Paul (Jean), Frank, Dominic (Linda), Peter (Elyse), Michael (Rhonda), Theresa (Dale) Camens, James (Janice), Cathy, Anthony, David (Chris), Sarah (Pat Merrills), and Loretta (Kurt) Waananen.

She had a special place in her heart for every one of her grandchildren, and was a loving counselor and role model to them all. They include: John Bertucci, Christina Henkel, Frank Patierno, Michael Patierno, John Patierno, Tammy O'Brien, Aaron Anderson, Andrea Voss, Scott Bertucci, Renee Herskovitz, Tina Lindholm, Neil Bertucci, Dominic Bertucci, Gloria Bertucci, Beth Luke, Jennifer Bertucci, Ella Bertucci, Hannah Bertucci, Kinsie Bertucci, Kayla Bertucci, Sam Camens, Teresa Wilson, Nicole Camens, Anthony Bertucci, Angela Johnson, Natalie Messano, James Conradson, Crystal Conradson, David James Bertucci, Jacquelyn Bertucci, Kenneth Bertucci, David Joseph Bertucci, Ashley Bertucci, Loretta Willey, Shane Dugan, Mary Dugan, Diana LaPin, Kali Black, Jack Waananen, and Madison Waananen. She was also proud of her 41 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Teresa was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her son Joseph, her daughter-in-laws Denise Bertucci, and Julie Bertucci, her sisters Clara Joseph and Mary Jacobson, and her brothers Joseph and Bruno.

The family will greet friends and relatives on Sunday, August 30, from 4-8:00 p.m. at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home where a parish wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a visitation on Monday, August 31, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow with the Rev. Larry Van Damme to officiate. The Rev. Msgr. Peter Oberto will concelebrate. Pallbearers will be Teresa's grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. John's Memorial Fund at 325 S. Pine Street in Ishpeming.

The family wishes to thank U. P. Home Health and Hospice for the care and compassion shown towards Teresa. They would also like to acknowledge Teresa's cousin, Frank Andriacchi, who has been very supportive during this difficult time.

Teresa's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .