Obituary of Therese M. Testa

Therese M ( Terry) Testa 87, (nee McMenamin) of Bismarck ND, formerly of Williamstown NJ passed away peacefully at noon on June 24, 2014 in her home in Bismarck, ND. At her side to comfort were daughter, Renee; son-in-law, Ed Kraft; niece, Bonnie Smalley and husband, Clif Smalley; along with Hospice nurse, Judy. Terry was born in Philadelphia on January 21, 1927. Terry's 87-plus years knew many happy times, speckled with those moments of sorrow known to all, but her bright green eyes held a sparkle for life and her heart held all the love a mother could possibly hold for her family and friends, plus a buoyant spirit to overcome some of life's greatest challenges. Beyond all the joys and memories that Terry leaves behind, her greatest gift was LOVE. Although the Bette Midler song, "Wind Beneath My Wings" was her favorite, she spent her final days (often unknowingly) humming, "Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let It Begin with ME." Terry was preceded in death by her parents Raymond A. McMenamin and Rose (Maquire) McMenamin, sister, Rosemarie (McMenamin) Coslop and husband, Ed Testa. She is survived by her children: Edward R. Testa and daughter-in-law, Betty K. Testa of Northeast, MD; Renee T. Kraft and son-in-law, Edward M. Kraft of Bismarck, ND; Joseph E. Testa and daughter-in-law Beth E. Testa of Madison, WI; plus her grandchildren: Kimberly A. (Testa) Giostra and husband, Gino C. Giostra of Atlantic City, NJ; Tammy R. (Testa) Suydam and husband, Michael K. Suydam of Monroeville, NJ; Amber E. Testa of Wappingers Falls, NY; Brian C. Kraft and wife Linda R. Kraft of Gillette, WY; and Raymond J. Kraft of Bismarck ND; and great grandchildren: Brooke V. Suydam, and Brandon M. Suydam. Other beloved family members include sister-in-law, Lorraine Lamcken and husband Donald Lamcken of Vineland, NJ, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Too numerous to mention are all the loved ones Terry's heart embraced as "family." Like a sweet fragrance, her unassuming grace and delightful demeanor filled every room she entered. We will always love and miss you Mom/Terry/Aunt Terry! A viewing will be held on Monday, June 30, 2014 starting at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at the Christ the Redeemer Parish/Assumption Church, 318 Carl Hasselhan Dr., Atco, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be sent to one's local Hospice. For more information or to e-mail a condolence, please visit www.lpwoosterfuneralhome.com