In loving memory of Teresa Jane Sunseri Orsetti who passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 24 in Gilroy, CA. A dedicated and beloved daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, Teresa was born January 10, 1928 in San Jose, CA. She spent her school years at Horace Mann Elementary and Roosevelt Junior High. Teresa graduated as valedictorian of San Jose High School in February of 1946 where she served as the first student president of the high school bank. She was a member of Torch and Laurel Honor Society and a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation.
While growing up, Teresa worked at Sunseri’s Market, her family’s grocery store, and as a secretary at Robert’s Book Store at San Jose State University. It was there, in the summer of 1953,Teresa met her lifetime love, Emilio A. Orsetti, while at a college campfire. Emilio and Teresa were married on July 13, 1957. Shortly thereafter, they built a home on the Orsetti Family Prune Orchard where they raised their family. They were married for forty-nine years before Emilio’s passing in 2006.
Teresa had a great respect for family, and was grateful to live on the orchard close to her children and grandchildren, whom she adored. She was an example of loyalty, generosity, and love to her immediate and extended family and friends. Among Teresa’s hobbies were a love for all music, playing the piano, gardening, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and in her earlier years, folk dancing.
Teresa leaves her loyal son, Mark (Laurie), devoted daughter, Marlene (Don Manzo), adored grandchildren: Kimberlee Dawn, Donald (Donny) Emile, Jennifer, Meghan, and Kevin, loving sisters Doris Stefani and Marion Proctor, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral Services Thursday, January 29, 2009 – 2:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy.
Donations may be made in her memory to The Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC, 20077, or to the American Cancer Society, Santa Clara County Unit, 747 Camden Avenue, Suite B, Campbell, CA, 95008.
