Theresa Lilian Arpino
Theresa Lilian Arpino
June 4th, 1946 – January 12th, 2026
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for Theresa Lilian Arpino for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. Theresa’s loved ones gathered for a very special celebration of her life at Leisure Village in Fox Lake, IL. Wonderful stories and precious memories were shared. It was an honor to learn about Theresa and to help her family pay tribute to her beautiful life. She will be dearly missed by many.
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Theresa was born in Italy on June 4th, 1946. At 13 years old, she arrived in the United States with her family where they settled in the Chicago area. Theresa, although a teenager, went back to elementary school so that she could learn English.
Once her schooling was complete, Theresa got a job at Motorola. It was there that she met John in 1968. On November 14th, 1972, Theresa and John united in marriage. They welcomed 2 children into the world, John and Terri. Theresa continued to work part-time, but mostly she cared for the children and household. She was an excellent cook, and kept the family well-fed.
Theresa loved all things arts and crafts and was a talented sewer. She was very creative and could master any artistic task with ease.
She was an active member of the community serving on the Volo Village Board of Trustees for over 10 years and serving as a member of the Leisure Village Social Committee for over 12 years. She loved to organize, plan, and host events, and her involvement in the community meant a lot to her. She also excelled at fundraising efforts. Theresa and John’s home in Leisure Village was the unofficial meeting place where friends and neighbors enjoyed gathering.
Theresa adored being grandma to her 3 grandchildren. Her family meant everything to her. She enjoyed exploring new places and loved long car rides with husband. When their kids were younger, they camped often and enjoyed the Wisconsin Dells.
Theresa had a huge impact on everyone she met. Loved by all, she really was a phenomenal lady.
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Poem chosen by Theresa’s daughter, Terri:
What is a Mom? A mom is one of life’s best gifts, Someone to treasure all life through, She’s caring and loving, Thoughtful and true, Someone who is always a special part of your life, Someone who holds a prime place in your heart, She’s a mentor, a confident and also a friend, Someone on whose love you can depend. A mom always has your best interests at heart, She’s someone so dear and so good, She’s a blessing, she’s a gift, She’s a treasure like no other, She’s someone that is truly wonderful. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, A mom’s love will always see you through, A mom is truly invaluable, indispensable and unforgettable. I wouldn’t want anyone but you, And that’s why I’m so grateful, that life picked you for me.
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As we reflect on Theresa’s 79 years, it may feel like it all went by far too quickly. While no length of time with our loved ones will ever seem long enough, know that it was an absolute blessing to have had Theresa present on this earth for almost 8 decades. Her time here and her time spent with each of you was a precious gift. When your world is feeling a little too empty, may you fill it with gratitude that your time here overlapped with Theresa’s and that you were blessed to know her.
And while the broken pieces of your heart will never quite be the same, know that Theresa would not want your heart to be troubled. May you find comfort in sweet memories, may you find peace in the ways you find her to still be a part of your present, and may you find hope in being reunited with her some day in the kingdom of God.
May you know in your heart that she is at peace, she is home now in the loving embrace of our Lord in heaven. She is reunited with the many loved ones she had been missing including her parents, Christino and Angelamaria, her Aunt Angelina, her precious dogs, Cookie and Snoopy, and her beloved cats, Roxanne, Mitzy, and Cali. She is surrounded by love.
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Theresa will be forever loved and missed by her husband of over 53 years, John, her son, John, her daughter, Terri, son-in-law, Bert, her grandchildren, Justin, John, and Jayden, her sister, Anna, and countless other loved ones both family and friends.
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Terri and the family would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to Karen Morris and Kay Weber who helped coordinate Theresa’s service while the family was in Colorado. Your love and support mean the world.
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Theresa, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly