TEDESCO, Teresa (Tee) Hand on June 11, 2012 of Cliffside Park, N.J., age 90. Teresa was born on November 30, 1922 in Bellshill, Scotland. She was a homemaker. Beloved wife to the late Albert (1968). Devoted mother to the late Thomas (1950) and to the late Gerard (1964), to Joseph and his wife Cathie, Patricia and her husband Anthony Ianni, Michael and his wife Esther Tedesco, Anthony and his wife Eileen Tedesco, Edward and his wife Denise Tedesco, Teresa and her husband James DiStefano, Christopher and his wife Karen Tedesco and to Vincent Tedesco and Christine Monaghan. Dear sister to Br. Gerard Hand, Kevin Hand, and Joseph Hand. Cherished grandmother to 30 grandchildren and to 42 great-grandchildren. Teresa is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Teresa Tedesco, go to the Cistic Fibrosis Foundation website.

Tribute to Nanny, Tee, Mom

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below are our tributes to our beloved Nanny who filled our lives with unbelieveable joy and happiness. If you are sending condolences, we will hold your submission for a different page of the website. Click here to submit your tribute now.

From: Alan Citarella // Relationship: Neighbor // Date: June 15th, 2012

Tribute: Mrs. T. You will be greatly missed.You were a a kind and loving person. I remember all of my childhood with you and your family. We were always at your house, just hanging out and having fun.We were all always welcome there. I remember playing ball in your backyard and having lunch. I remember how you always made us lemonade. There are to many memories for me to write. You were one great lady.With the patience of a Saint.But I know that you are with God now and you will still be watching over all of us. My sympathy goes out to all of your family. Farewell Mrs.T. Rest In Peace.

From: Eddie Jr // Relationship: Grandson // Date: June 14th, 2012

Tribute: My Grandmother instilled many key values in my life .She set the example of how important spending time with your family is ; by having get togethers at her house every holiday. Memories of those gatherings have been in my heart since I was at least five years old . Nanny also taught me how important hard work was to your life. As a child I vividly remember her telling my cousins and I stories of how hard our fathers worked as children in the family business .Such stories made me look forward to starting a career and having a family of my own. My Grandmothers door was always open anytime of the day or night if I needed her in times of trouble. She brought light out of the darkest situations by teaching religion to me. Her life will be celebrated in my heart forever , where she will continue to live on .

From: Ersina Veltri Jacques // Relationship: Neighbor // Date: June 14th, 2012

Tribute: Mrs. Tedesco will be remembered as the most pleasant caring person I have had the pleasure to know for most of my life. She would always listen to all us kids as we hung around on the block. Tee - as we all lovingly called her - always had a smile on her face. Her strength and beliefs were unsurpassed. She will be missed. It won't be the same when we visit Edgewod Lane. She was so happy when she met my husband and daughter,Sara,and they felt the same way.

From: Sharon Hand-Higgins // Relationship: Niece // Date: June 14th, 2012

Tribute: To know her was to love her. The Matriarch of the family. My favorite Aunt. (shhh) What a wonderful, kind, loving, generous woman. Flip side....what a hysterical, quick-witted, fun-loving, happy character! The woman had no faults. I can’t remember a time she wasn’t enjoying life…singing Irish songs, telling stories, giving profound excellent advice, and just being a friend. You felt her love. Aunt Tee gave me the best gift I’ve ever received. She told me that my Dad called her and told her how wonderful he felt because I helped him get cleaned up and put lotion on his back and legs. He thanked me, but Aunt Tee let me know just how grateful he was for what was just a simple task to me. He passed a very short time after and it meant the world to me to know I made him feel great for however long it lasted. She told me I would receive many blessing for showing that love. The 1st blessing was sitting next to her. Aunt Tee, give a hug to my Mom and Dad. You will be deeply missed by all the lives you’ve touched. You’ve earned your place in Heaven for sure. Rest In Peace.

From: Denise Tedesco // Relationship: Grand daughter- in law // Date: June 14th, 2012

Tribute: Though not my grandmother by birth….Nanny you have been a loving grandmother to me for 18 years. I will be forever thankful to you for sharing your family with me. You have touched the hearts of my children and myself in such a profound way….You will live forever in our hearts and in our lives though the love that we share with one another. Thank you for showing me what it has been like to have a loving grandmother….something that was missing in my life until I met you!

From: Ann Florian // Relationship: Mike's sister-in-law // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: It always felt like an honor to spend even a few minutes with Nanny; she wasn't my Nanny, but I often wished she had been. She was always so caring towards my health problems and wanting to know how I was doing; and I know she was this way with everyone. She was truly a special person; my heart goes out to you in your loss.

From: Sarah (13) // Relationship: GREAT-GROANDCHILD // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Nanny T, our time together was not as long as the others, but I enjoyed every bit of it. Any questions I had about god you could answer without even thinking about it. You knew just the right things to say in every situation. You were always there to comfort me, along with many others. I would always feel peace when I was with you because you had all the patience in the world and smiled all the time. Even when people you know would brag about their grandchildren you would listen and hold your tongue about how many children, grandchildren and great grand children you had. You were always so humble and that is something that you have passed on to everyone. You always put other people first. When I went to see you at aunt pat’s house for the last time I cried, and what did you do, you grabbed my hand and comforted me. Nanny, the stories you have shared with me could never be forgotten, they will live in me and I will pass it on to my brother and sister. Thank you so much for the stories you have shared with me, the memories I will never forget, and the tea you used to make me all the time=) I love you.

From: Liz Hart Shanks // Relationship: friend // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Dear Mrs. Tedesco, You may have thought that you had ten children, but Mrs. T oh how wrong you would have been. You had so many more on Edgewood Lane where you modeled a combination of faith and fun to all who knew you. There's always one house on a block where kids tend to gather and feel at home. That was the Tedesco's. There's a saying, "We go where there is love" and as kids YOUR house was a magnet of love and acceptance that drew us in. I have, along with many of my generation, memories of summer days" poppings tar bubbles in front of the house,"Spaldeens" of bubble gum pink that flew the length of several sewers to merit a home run past the Tedesco's and the innumerable plays you let us put on. The garage and rock garden were our stage where you encouraged our imaginations to soar and the neighborhood gathered on benches to watch our efforts. You showed us what the combination of faith coupled with family can accomplish in this world. My prayer is that you are blessed abundantly by Our Lord for the goodness you showered on your family AND the families of Edgewood Lane. Love, Liz

From: Jill // Relationship: Granddaughter // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Nanny words can express how much i will miss you. I could always count on "our talks" to guide me in the right direction. You gave me and my son the very best advice. You taught us how to forgive and how not to hold a grudge and to never lose our faith, no how stressful or unfair life can get. I will always remember all of the stories that you told and I will pass on everything you taught me to my son. We love you Nanny, you are one in a million and your legacy will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace and enjoy heaven because you deserve it after living your life in the image and likeness of God.

From: Danielle // Relationship: Grandchild // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Nanny, as the oldest grandchild I have so many memories that picking an ultimate favorite would be impossible, and i must admit i still don't know if its a Witch or a Watch! I always enjoyed visiting where a hot cup of tea, cake, and your stories awaited! Stories that i find myself telling without thought for they just flow like they are now part of me. Your Faith so strong, your spirit so gentle what admiration i hold for you as a Woman, Wife, Mother, and Grand-Mother! I will miss you more then words can convey and you will always be in my heart, I Love You!

From: Kim // Relationship: Granddaughter // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Nanny, where to begin. You have taught me so much. You taught me how to treat people kindly no matter what kind of person they were. Nanny you taught me games that I play with my own children now like "what did you find in your milk today" and "who stole the cookie from the cookie jar." you let us have talent shows in the house and taught us how to double Dutch with aunt terry. Nan you prayed for my lil tony and I know God was listening cause he is flourishing. I know that you will be shinning down on us still praying for us. You may not be here physically anymore but you will be in my heart forever. I love you Nanny and I will continue to share your stories with my children!

From: Brian Ianni // Relationship: Grandson // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: To the woman who was always there to put a smile on your face, tell a tremendous story, and to say a prayer when you needed it the most! Your love, humor, and gentleness will always remain with me forever! From my memories at the restaurant, to family gatherings at your house- they were the most fun times I have had! Your spirit and good nature will live on in your children, grandchildren, & great grandchildren! God Bless You!

From: Mary // Relationship: Grand-daughter // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Being the 2nd grandchild to Nanny I got to have her a lot to myself before the crowds came along haha I got to work at the restaurant with her and help wash dishes and set up for big parties! On holidays at her house there was always a big crowd of us and she would be the entertainer playing all sorts of fun games. As I grew I learned more of religion than I ever did going to CCD. Her stories of the Miracles never got old, I could hear them over and over again, and sometimes request to hear then again. Im so lucky to have had her for most of my life, Nanny I love you and will miss you and your funny faces you used to make!

From: Steve DiMeglio // Relationship: Neighbor // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Mrs. Tedesco, you sure had a way of leaving your mark on people. Although my family and I moved from Edgewood Lane back in August of 1973 I can still remember you like it was yesterday. You were always so warm, loving and understanding. You're house was the focal point of the neighborhood. I don't think a day went by on Edgewood Lane when there wasn't some sort of game going on either in your backyard or in front of your house. Amazingly, I never remember you ever yelling at any of us kids. Then there were the times when some of us neighborhood kids would barrel into one of the older boys cars and we would go to the restaurant for pizza. You always welcomed us as one of your own. I'll never forget that about two or three years ago, after not seeing you for many years, I picked up the phone and gave you a call. You completely surprised me when you recognized me without hesitation. I'll always cherish that conversation. We talked about old times, family, the neighborhood and especially about God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. You told me the beautiful story of how when your husband died you had a "chat" with the Blessed Virgin and asked her to please "move in" with you and help you raise your family! Then you told me the story about a salesman that used to come into the restaurant every week. I think you called him by a number; "Mr. 27" or something like that. You told me a beautiful religious story that centered around that salesman. We even talked about Roddy and your first statue of the Blessed Mother in your backyard. You had such a gift from God when it came to explaining religion. I wish I had spoken to you more over the years but I'll always be thankful for our last conversation. I don't think I ever told you but you had quite an impact on me and for that I'll always be grateful. I have no doubt that our Lord and His Mother, Blessed Mary, embraced you and welcomed you "home". Thank you for letting me be a small part of your life and may God Bless you, Mrs. Tedesco.

From: Mike // Relationship: son // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: At times like this, you will hear people say 'my Mom was great, and I had the best one ever'. In my case, it happens to be true. As a facility director at Benzel Busch in Englewood, I look back at my career that started when I was just a kid working with my Mom. We painted, put up wallpaper, and all maintenance of the house through the years as Dad was so busy at the restaurant and had no time for the house. Yes, Mom not only took care of the children, did the cooking and cleaning, but also the maintenance of the house. If I got one thing from my mother, it is my faith in God. Thanks Mom.....I love you! Mike

From: Esther Tedesco // Relationship: daughter-in-law // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: I was 16 when I met my mother-in-law. She was my boyfriend's mother at the time. I was in her yard with Mike under some car and she came out of the house to greet me with a big smile and so much energy and happiness radiating from her. Ever since that day I've loved her like a mother. She has been an inspiration for me and my children for over 40 years. Through her, I've come to know what the love of God really means. When Mike was in Vietnam, you couldn't keep me away from her and her children. There was so much love and fun in that house, her children were my brothers and sisters. She was my Mom too. I'll never forget all the stories she would tell me and how she made such sense of everything when explaining the bible to me. I thank her for my faith coming to the stage it has at this time in my life. I love you Mom and will miss you!! Esther

From: Diane Koundakjian Indjeian // Relationship: neighbor // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Oh Mrs.Tedesco, what would our childhood have been without you. You taught Pat, Liz, and I how to embroider. You let us have plays and talent shows in your backyard in the rock garden. That was our stage. You dressed us up as nuns when we put on the "Our Lady of Fatima" play. I remember going to the Junction for you to the deli to get you balogna and white bread. I remember the Duggan cake truck and the restaurant frozen food truck always by the house. Pat and I would go visit your mother, Mrs. Hand in WNY and then go to the Mayfair movie theater and then you let us go to the restaurant for ravioli, that's what I always had. Oh and at Easter, Liz and I couldn't wait to see what chocolate display was presented on the dining room buffet. It was different every year and spectacular. Then when I had my son and he wouldn't stop crying when he was an infant, you helped me soothe him. I will so miss you. You were a big part of my life and I have always loved you. Now you are with your beloved Albert and may you rest in peace in God's loving hands. You will never be forgotten and forever you will be loved especially by me.

From: Annie // Relationship: Grand daughter // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: Nanny taught me all about God. I learned about God in school but it was what Nanny said that always made me believe. Her stories made it real and why I believe at all. She would take care of me when I was small and take me to church. She was always so proud of me for understanding at such a young age. She was someone to look up too. I'm going to miss her something awful. I can only thank God for being so blessed to have a Grandmother I could call just to say "hi" and that's what I'm going to miss. I'll never forget her phone number.

From: Michael Tedesco Jr. // Relationship: Grandson // Date: June 13th, 2012

Tribute: To the woman who never locked her side door, always had candy in a jar! toys in her living room, and love in her heart for EVERYONE who would accept it...We will miss you but never forget, the countless memories we have had with you.......THANK YOU

From: John Tedesco // Relationship: Grandson // Date: June 12th, 2012

Tribute: Nanny was the kindest, warmest, and most joyful person I've ever known and I've never felt so much peacefulness from a single hug. As a child, visiting Nanny was something I would never turn down. She always made me smile, laugh, talk, and feel the love of God. For that is what I cherish the most. You will ALWAYS be in my heart Nanny.

©2012 / Provided by her Grandchildren