Teresa Zientarski's Obituary
Teresa Louise Zientarski (nee Imbrogno) passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the age of 88. She was born on March 3, 1935, in Lorain, Ohio, to Eugene and Caterina Imbrogno (nee Napoli), and graduated from Lorain High School class of 1953 B.
Teresa co-founded and operated Lake Screen Printing in Lorain with her son Ben, beginning in 1975 until her retirement in 2019. She was a true entrepreneur and took great pride in her work. She loved the challenges and opportunities of running a small business, while engaging with their many customers over the years. Anyone who went to Lake Screen Printing knew and loved Teresa. However, it was her faith in God and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and anyone in need that truly defined her life.
Teresa was a woman who was always willing to help others. She showed that through her years of active involvement in many organizations. She was a proud member of the Italian American Veterans, Lakeland Women's Club, Quota Club, Second Century Council, and the Echo girls group where she mentored young women in need. Her commitment to others allowed her to form many lasting friendships while making a positive impact on her community.
One of Teresa's greatest joys was traveling. Her adventurous spirit and interest in history took her to many countries, her favorite being Italy. She cherished these experiences and the rich cultural diversity they offered. Her most memorable trip was in 2011 when she took her entire family to Italy to learn about their Italian heritage and experience the richness of her beloved country. That trip created wonderful lasting memories for all of her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed cruises, traveling to Las Vegas to play the slots, and organizing many casino bus trips for various fundraisers.
Teresa had many talents and passions. She loved reading and was often seen with a book, magazine, or newspaper in her hands, preferring non-fiction to satisfy her passion for learning. She was an excellent cook and had a large cookbook collection, primarily just for reading since most of her cooking was by taste. Her artistic pursuits were a testament to her creative spirit, as she loved to paint and sketch. She also loved the theater and was a season ticket holder at Playhouse Square for many years. Her Italian heritage was a source of immense pride, and she celebrated it with the love and respect it deserved.
Above all, Teresa loved her family and held them all close to her heart. She is survived by her loving children: Bernard Zientarski (Annette), Michael Zientarski (Elaine), Kathy Coffman (Dave), and Molly Mingo (Mike). Teresa loved and was very proud of all her grandchildren: Jessica Zientarski, Bernard Zientarski III (Katie), Lauren Zientarski, Paul Sevits, Sara Sevits, Sarah Swanzer, Stephen Zientarski, Kayla Ludle (Adam), Kevin Coffman (Anessa), Peter Coffman (Emily), Gina Boguslawski (Jeremy), Christie Janis (Tom), Michael Mingo Jr., and Vincent Mingo. Her great-grandchildren, Landen, Liam, Paisley, Hunter, Finley, Aurora, Penelope, Ellie, Audrey, Dominic, Anthony, and Gloriana, will carry her memory forward.
Teresa was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard, her parents, Eugene and Caterina Imbrogno, and her siblings, Louis, Edward, Dulio, Robert Imbrogno, and Loretta Lehocz. Though she has departed this world, the impact of her love, strength, and unwavering spirit will forever endure in the hearts and memories of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Teresa was a shining example of a life well-lived, and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to share in her journey. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Closing prayers will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral center followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Peter Catholic Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Ohio. Rev. Father Craig Hovanec, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Teresa to the Alzheimer’s Association, 23215 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 300, Beachwood, Ohio 44122.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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