There are ways to measure a person, to understand who they were, what they stood for, who they cared about and what they had accomplished in life.
If a measure of that same person can be counted, weighed or totaled by the number of those they impacted, or by the tears of mourning saturating the faces of the lives she touched, Theresa Jean Guerrieri is immeasurable.
Theresa Guerrieri (nee Moats), age 47 of Willoughby, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family Thursday morning, September 26th, 2024, after a dignified, valiant and length-defying battle with cancer. Her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of so many of the lives she touched as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, second mom and dear friend.
To have known Theresa is to have known love and passion. Always leading with her heart for her family and friends, she gave of herself for others regardless of own circumstance. A wonderful daughter, mother, sister, Theresa is gone too soon, but would want those she loved to celebrate her life and appreciate the impact she made just as equal the mourning her passing deserves.
She loved putting her toes in sand on beach vacations as much as she could. Her heart, much like her wit and opinions could get salty like the water she sought for respite but at the root of who she was, lied an undercurrent of loyalty, compassion and grit.
Too many nights marked over the years when scores of her sons’ friends found shelter at her home, food for their hunger in her pantry, or a warm shoulder to lean on with an ear to listen when a nurturing voice was needed.
She relished the holidays and it didn’t matter which one it was on the calendar, as long as it meant that she would be surrounded by loved ones.
In her youth, she played basketball, ran track, marched in the band and guarded the nets in volleyball. After high school she attended Tiffin University and later enrolled in the police academy and enjoyed a career in law enforcement that ultimately led her to fall in love and marry her husband Mark. Together they proudly raised their sons Giovanni and Lorenzo.
She would eventually work in the Willoughby school system where she harnessed her ability to connect with the youth by counseling students as a teacher’s aid. And it is there where her absence will be most felt. Seldom a school event would pass without a crowd of students flocking to her side.
An absolute constant at her sons’ sporting and school events, despite officials doing their best to remove her, it was Theresa’s voice of support and criticism we heard and it was prominent, yes, loud too, and definitive. If you wore the same colors, she was your champion. She was a tall tree of sass, opinions and encouraging emotion for the so many she supported.
She fought with purpose and her life will leave an indelible mark on all it touched. She gave everything she had to everyone she knew. Her home was yours, her heart was open to all and she lived, as she wants her loved ones to in her death…with passion.
Rest easy Mama T, Big T, Moatsie, Tree and Miss G…somewhere there is a group of umpires and referees doing just that tonight.
Theresa is survived by her husband of 19 years, Mark Guerrieri, her children Giovanni and Lorenzo Guerrieri and her parents Butch J. and Linda Moats of Perry, OH as well as her brother Jason (Danielle) Moats, Kevin (Cinthia) Moats, and Nicole Moats. Additionally, she is also survived by her father-in-law Antonio (Eleonora-deceased) Guerrieri; her sisters-in-law Lora (Jack) Hay, Antonella (Ron) Kost as well as many nieces and nephews as well as a great niece.
The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Avenue, Painesville 44077. Theresa’s family asks that you come to the visitation hours wearing the teams and colors she so loved in the Willoughby Wildcats, South Rebels, Willoughby Middle School Warriors and the 6-time Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. A Funeral mass will be held at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, OH 44060 at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 2nd before her final burial at All Souls Cemetery following the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made in Theresa’s name to Crossroads Health, 8445 Munson Rd., Mentor OH 44060 https://crossroadshealth.org
Reader interactions
22 Replies to “Theresa J. Guerrieri (nee Moats)”
Such a beautifully written tribute! She was definitely all of those things and much more. Her zest for life was so apparent, especially in her fight to kill the cancer beast! Through it all her smile radiated inspire of all the pain. She will truly be missed!!! Sending hugs and condolences to everyone! God has a true angel in heaven!!!! Love you, Theresa💔
You will be missed Theresa May God comfort your family and loved ones that have a hole in their heart until you meet again
With Deepest Sympathy
Chuck and Elva Hainzey
So very sorry for your loss. Theresa was a very special person & will be missed. Hugs & comfort to her family & friends.
hi , my name is keirra , i labeled Mrs.G as my godmother myself after all the wonderful things she did for me. I met her when i was in 6th grade & im a senior now in high school & i lost her she couldn’t even see me graduate & im very hurt by that , i will forever miss you & honor you , & i thank you for everything you did for me & appreciate you , i miss you my heart💔💔💔💔 . see you soon!!
She will always be with you. ❤️she will be so proud to see you graduate. ❤️
We send our thoughts & prayers to our close friends & to the families! We’re sending our hugs and love to all. God be with you all & and angels surround you all. God comfort & be with you all at this sad time. Theresa was a special woman. She will be cherished in many hearts she touched in all of your lives & everyone she got to know in her life time on this earth! She’ll be an amazing angel watching all over you! She’ll always be with you all in your hearts 💞 and your special memories! We send our love to all! 👼😇🙏🏼💐💝🎈
She was a beacon of strength and love. I will miss her laugh and the way she could gather the rowdiest of kids into a group that did what she asked because they adored her. We all adored her. Miss G you will be missed more than you will ever know. I will miss our little conversations in the copy room.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
So hard to find the right words for someone who left such a huge impact on everyone.
Rest in heaven and always watch over all of us that will forever miss you!
Sending prayers to the entire family.
So sorry for your loss.
Rest easy, Theresa❤️🩹
LD Bell Class of ‘71
Fly with the angels, Ms. G. You will be forever missed. I will cherish the friendship we shared. Now you are at peace with the Lord 🩷
So sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy. 🙏✝️
Tree was one of a kind for sure. Such an amazing tribute to her life. One of my very favorites I had the pleasure of coaching.
My condolences to Mark, their boys, and the entire family. On the few occasions I’ve had to visit my friends in Ohio, I always looked forward to talking with Theresa about sports and life, in general. I shall pray the rosary for her and the entire family.
Positive, encouraging, always smiling and a champion for the children! Her presence at Willoughby Middle School was inspirational to all! We are all more fulfilled for having known her and thankful for the time we had to work with her! Her energy was contagious and so appreciated! Deeply saddened to hear of her passing. May God bless her family, friends and co-workers and may the Eternal Light Shine Upon Her.
Although we only met Tess once or twice or waved to her in her parents’ driveway, we know she will always be remembered by her family and friends as a cheer leader for others. Our condolences to her family.
I love you my sweet friend and I will miss you every single day. Until we meet again. 💜 😇
Gio,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you mom, your family, and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Coach Clark
We are sending our deepest condolences to Mark and the family.
Don and Denise Slapnicker
Theresa was as genuine, caring, and loving person as one could ask for. Our sincerest condolences to Mark, Giovanni, Lorenzo, Butch, Linda, Lora, and Antonella. Always knew that Theresa would give a frank and honest assessment. Much appreciated that she was willing to help give our son James a ride to school if he missed the bus after we left for work, and that she would clear snow from a neighbor’s drive when they or we were away. The hospitality of the Guerreri home is legendary. Hope to be given a chance to pay some of it back.
Neighbors – Ethan and Jing
I’m still having a difficult time processing this. My heart aches for her family and all her friends. Saying that, I want to be selfish and share how special Tree was to me. I was the tall mixed kid that moved to Perry in middle school. Tree was so welcoming. We were both tall, both had some melanin in our background and all of the sudden I wasn’t alone anymore. We played saxophone and enjoyed band. Theresa was sporty and I was not, she was cool, I wasn’t, but she became my friend.
I don’t think she knows how easily she allowed me to be me and didn’t judge me nor care. My race was not an issue, my height was not a.thing, she was just a friend.
Of course life takes everyone on their own paths, however she is one of those people who don’t let time and space separate those special old relationships in our lives. (In other words, seeing each other again was picking up right where we left off).
When I read many people’s experience with Theresa, there is a common theme of genuine friendships and thoughtfulness.
I hope that through the suffering, everyone smiles a bit too. I hope that her children do not become bitter at the world, I hope her husband may find comfort, I hope her siblings may find her everywhere, in the sun, in the rain, in the breeze. I hope her parents may learn to celebrate (over grief) the child that brought into the world and impacted those who she touched in such a profound way.
Tree left her impact on the world, and because it was so strong and beautiful it is hard to accept.
She will forever be around all of us.
Be at peace my friend.
Beautiful soul. Knew Teresa as a child. My heart breaks for her husband and children.
Great times and best of memories spent with Linda and Butch and kids.
Myself, my son’s Chris & Don Kundrat . Forever in our hearts. RIP Baby Girl.
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