Theresa Marie Gangi (nee Dotti), known to many as Terry, passed away on July 10, 2024, aged 91. Up until seven years ago, she had been a long-standing resident of Smithtown, New York, and thereafter a resident of Holmdel, New Jersey, where she lived with her daughter’s family. Born on July 30, 1932 in the borough of Brooklyn, New York, Theresa was a cherished presence, embodying both warmth and generosity throughout her days.

Marriage followed a beautiful courtship with a fine, young man, Sergio, who was truly the love of her life. The lyrics from Show Boat, “he was just the one, the one man in the world for me, I love him­­­ because…he’s wonderful,” was one of her favorite tunes to sing around the house. Serge and Terry shared a love of music and dance, having grown up in the Big Band era. Her husband bragged that they danced all over the world, a whimsical exaggeration. Terry and Serge also appreciated fine clothing and shared a formality in their dress and in how they lived; always with an eye for proportion, beauty, and a bit of fun. Over the years, they were partners in a couple’s bowling league, members of the Sons of Italy in Smithtown, active neighbors in their community, and active parents in their children’s schooling and activities.

Theresa began her own schooling after high school at a reputable secretarial school. She was pleased to gain employment as the receptionist for a family-owned fashion label in New York City. She recalled fond memories of the kindness of the owners, a husband and wife who treated her like a daughter. She valued the client relations aspect of the position and continued to work there for the first few years of marriage. Years later, when Theresa was an empty nester, she returned to work in fashion again, but this time in retail for Abraham & Strauss in the Smith Haven Mall. She enjoyed interacting with people and over her twenty year tenure made several lifelong friends. In this way, Theresa’s journey reflected her stylish and open-hearted nature, which made her a beloved figure among many colleagues and customers alike.

Theresa’s passion for life also extended into her pastimes. An excellent cook, baker and entertainer; she was famed for her cheesecakes and Easter pies. She and her husband were great hosts to their guests who experienced their elegant style of entertaining, serving several courses including an intermezzo and a selection of deserts. She also loved having lady friends over for lunch, serving a homemade pie, and playing a game of cards. Theresa was also a sports enthusiast. Although she tried her hand at golf and tennis, bowling was her life-long sport. She joined a ladies team in Brooklyn and then again in Smithtown. She later joined a bowling league that traveled to big cities in the country for competitions and camaraderie. She showed consistent high-level performance, where individual and teamwork strategies were important. Many cherished friendships were formed through all of these activities.

Theresa had a full life, with family truly being the cornerstone. Her love and concern for her family were ever present. From her magical kitchen she produced an endless stream of Italian delights. The house was spotless. The laundry was always fresh, ironed, and folded. The children’s school lunches were packed carefully, often with a note tucked into the wrapping that said “I love you,” or “Have a great day, love Mom.” Like a proud mother, she never failed to exaggerate her children’s victories, but also championed her children forward to persevere and achieve when they met challenges.

Theresa is survived by her brother, Kenneth Dotti, her children, Richard Gangi and his wife Patricia of Melbourne, FL, and Janine Jhanjee and her husband Pradeep of Holmdel; grandchildren Arianna, Carissa, Gregory, and Caroline, and great granddaughter Daphne Lemire. Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, Sergio Silvio Gangi; her parents, Vincenza “Jenny” and Anthony Dotti; and siblings Agnes Plant and Anthony Dotti, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 3, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road in Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 at the Church of St. Catharine, 108 Middletown Road in Holmdel. Entombment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery, 900 Holmdel Road in Holmdel. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Theresa’s name or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Giving; an organization she deeply supported. Theresa continued to pray for family and friends to Mother Mary, St. Theresa, and St. Jude all the days of her life.