Theresa "Teri" Montagnino

Theresa "Teri" Montagnino, 60, of Cape Coral, FL and formerly of Bergen County, NJ, passed away in her home Friday, October 25, 2019.  She was born January 9, 1959 in Bronx, NY.

Teri was of the Catholic faith and attended mass at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Cape Coral. She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend. 

Teri possessed a contagious personality with a laugh that could be heard throughout the house.  Upon graduating high school from Dumont High in 1977, Teri completed Cosmetology school and worked as a hairdresser until she moved to Boca Raton, Florida in 1988.  In Florida, she tirelessly worked as a waitress to always sacrifice for the wants, needs, and success of her three children.  She humbly served as a caretaker for the sick and elderly in the years leading to her untimely death.

To truly describe Teri’s life, she had the spirit of a rocker and the heart of a saint. 

Everything about Rock and Roll rang true to Teri.  Despite not having any musical talent and a singing voice that could crack a mirror, one could always rely on Teri for a good party, especially if there were rum and Cokes involved.  Teri was ready to have a good time whether it was with her siblings, her best friend Mary, and most especially, her children.  Her life’s highlights were hanging out with her daughter, Corin, her son, Anthony, and any friends they had around.  That rocker spirit also translated into a deep love of Rock and Roll.  She loved all rock music from every decade of her life, including the most recent releases.  She enjoyed attending concerts and shows with her youngest son, Anthony. 

More importantly, Teri had the heart of a saint.  She showed this through her faithful love toward others regardless of the circumstances.  A woman of modest means, Teri often stashed money to give her children so their lives would be enriched, whether it be to go to the movies, a Florida State football game, or to ship Disney movies to her grandchildren.  No matter who the person or their circumstances, she was ever-present in their time of need.  She always had a cigarette for them to smoke, a bed for them to sleep in, and a plate to fill with food.  

She is survived and will be missed by all, including: her father and step-mother, Jerome and Patricia Montagnino; her son, Anthony Lunardoni; her son and daughter-in-law, Jesse and Denise Montagnino; her six grandchildren, McKenzie Cowart, along with Adelina, Sofia, Cecilia, Dominic, and Carmela Montagnino; her sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Tony Barry, along with their children Tony and Sheena; stepsiblings, Michelle Morgan and Michael Cotelli; and her many friends. 

Theresa was preceded in death by her darling daughter, Corin Elaine Cowart; her mother, Elaine Montagnino; and her brother, Jerry Montagnino.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, November 9, 2019 at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, 1922 SW 20^th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33991, with Father Ricky officiating.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Theresa Montagnino are suggested to the Global Fund for Women, Attention: Donations, 800 Market St., Suite # 700, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.