Theresa Mary (Manzola) Villani, 83

  Theresa Mary (Manzola) Villani, 83 years old, formerly of Hopedale, MA died June 24th at the Beaumont Nursing Home, in Northbridge MA.  She was the wife of the late John P. Villani who died in 2010.  Born in Brooklyn, NY, March 8, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Angelo “Charlie” Manzola and the late Angelina (Marchese) Manzola. Mrs. Villani moved to Milford, MA at the age of 14 where she attended Sacred Heart School first and then the Milford Public School system.  Shortly after High School, Mrs. Villani married and eventually settled in Hopedale.  Prior to starting her family, she was employed by both the former Bickford Shoe Co. and the Milford Shoe Co. of Milford, followed by the Kartiganer Hat Factory in Upton.  Once her children were in school, she worked as a waitress at the former Bea’s Diner and Mei’s Diner which were located in the Hopedale Town Hall.  She ultimately retired after 14 years of dedicated service from Shaw’s Supermarket in Milford MA.   Mrs. Villani was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Hopedale, where she received her Catechist Certificate by the Diocese of Worcester commissioning her into the teaching ministry of the Diocese of Worcester.  As a religious education instructor, she taught classes for over 15 years and was well known for having her entire class come to her home on the last day of CCD for a large meatball and spaghetti dinner.  She served as both Vice President and President of the Sacred Heart Woman’s Guild – working diligently to raise money through bake sales, the annual “Penny Sale” raffles, pancake breakfasts, and organized many bus trips and other events related to Sacred Heart.  Over the years she had been actively involved in the church’s annual Bishop’s Fund, the Mustard Seed, and Thrift Shop and had served on the Scholarship Committee.   She also attended a series of courses and became certified as a Lecturer for Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Hopedale.  Mrs. Villani was a member of the Prospect Heights 25th Anniversary Committee where she helped arrange the Prospect Heights Association banquet dinner.  In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sister Louise M. (Manzola) Burkhart who passed away in 1996, and her Daughter-in-Law Jamie (Bryan) Villani, as well as several Aunts and Uncles from Brooklyn, NY.   Mrs. Villani leaves behind her son John A. Villani and his girlfriend Jill Daviero, her daughter Karen L. Villani and her spouse Vanessa J. Cook, one brother Anthony Manzola, one sister Mary F. Manzola-Halpern and her spouse Timothy Halpern.  She is also survived by nephews Chuck Manzola, Mick Manzola, a niece Robyn Spellman as well as one great nephew, three great nieces, and two great-great nieces, an Uncle Andy Losi and several cherished cousins from and around Brooklyn, New York.   Massachusetts may have been her home, but Brooklyn, New York held her heart where her fondest memories were of her grandparents, aunts, uncles and the many cousins whom she adored.    Her funeral will be held on Saturday July 1, 2017 at 9 A.M. from the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water Street, Milford, followed by a Mass of Christian burial which will be held at 10 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Church, Hopedale.  Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Milford.   Calling hours will be  Friday  from 5pm-8pm. The family would like to thank the various caregivers that helped to make Mrs. Villani comfortable over the last several years since her illness.   In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 187 Hopedale St, Hopedale, MA 01747.

Guest Book

Karen and John knew your Mom at the Nursing Home. So sorry for your loss my thoughts are with You .
Beverly (Earl) Jones

---

Karen- My sincerest condolences on the passing of your Mom.
Bob... Yes, that one. (Smiley Face)

---

Karen,So sorry for your the loss of your mother.She was Always so Nice,Beautiful, Careing Person.She is Watching over you now as your guardian Angel. I Have Not seen you in years ..but I Remember how nice You and your mother was.May God be with you,and the angels heal you..
Sandi

---

Rest in peace Theresa, eternal peace and rest is now yours. The world is a less interesting place without you and I will always smile when I think of you. I look forward to meeting up with you some day. Karen, your mom was a good woman and I am grateful that I knew her. In this difficult time, know that your mom will guide you in subtle ways as you continue your journey.
Karen Creery

---

My sweet mother and best friend. When you left, a piece of my heart went with you. In life there are moments that are "before this" and "after this" and you find that you are never the same. This is one of those moments. We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun. I will forever yearn to be able to hear you tell me "be careful" when leaving, and be able to hug you. You were my most precious treasure and while I tried so valiantly to save you and having won the battle, we ultimately lost the war. Rest easy my sweet mother.
Daughter, Karen

---

Thinking of you at this time as you begin to grieve the loss of your mother. Sorry for your loss
Tracy Cook

---

My sincerest condolences Karen and Vanessa. Until you meet again may you hold her still in the heart of your hands.
Mj Moran

---

My dear sister I Wii miss you
Mary & Timothy Halpern

---

My heartfelt sympathy to all of Theresa's family. When Theresa and I first met, I was constantly peppered with questions about Nicole Kidman, simply because we both hail from down under. I will miss Theresa dearly, and her spunk. I am so sorry Karen. I know you loved your mom more than anything else. May Theresa RIP with her beloved sister and other loved ones who have gone before her.
Vanessa Cook

---

Known by many and loved by all. May she forever Rest In Peace.
Pisarro family.

---

What a beautiful-warm hearted woman. Such a great loss for her family, friends and community that she served for so many years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Karen, my dear friend, and your family and friends. May you all find comfort in one another and in the sweet memories of your wonderful Mother. God Bless you Mrs. Villani, may you forever Rest In Peace.
Michelle Cooper

---

We would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to Karen and her family on the sad passing of Mrs Villani.
Karen Glover and Angela Oakley

---