Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Ms. Theresa Loraine Bernadette Oakley
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Mary Frances DeNisco uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
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I have many memories of Theresa from all the years we worked together at Loretto College High School. I will share my Top 2:
At one time we had our staff meetings in the convent - in the nuns' living room, packed with recliners, ottomans, table &chairs for dining and.....some valuable Duncan Phyfe "occasional tables." When the pizza arrived, Theresa put the hot boxes on one of those "occasional tables" without thinking (We were VERY YOUNG then!!!). The results? Let's just say we were lucky not to have been excommunicated from the church:))
Another time I walked into the staffroom & blurted out, "DOES ANYONE HAVE A BROWNIE?" (As I said, we were VERY Young, (those were PMS days!!!) Without flinching, Theresa pulled a brownie out of her lunch bag & handed it over.Just like that! Where are your friends when you need them? Doesn't matter where; you call and they haul - even an instant brownie fix:))
Theresa's passing still seems surreal. She had a presence that will NEVER be forgotten. So many memories. So much laughter.
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Frank Piddisi posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Theresa exuded warmth and love with a huge dollop of fun to all who had the opportunity to work with her. Theresa’s career personality was a model for all to emulate. There were no differences which could not be overcome by her caring interest. She will be missed and I will cherish her memory.
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Salvatore Amenta posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
So sad for Theresa's family, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Theresa's smile was infectious and unforgettable. Her devotion to TSU's teachers over many years will be remembered with deep appreciation. Rest in peace, good freind. Good soul.
sal
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Josie Vella Whittle posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
I recently began my Christmas decorating and came across an ornament that Theresa had given me the year that I got married. It was a pair of polar bears dressed in wedding attire, sitting in a large diamond engagement ring with a heart hanging from the pair of them. Theresa could always find the perfect gift.... no matter what the occation. Like the ornament Theresa was a UNIQUE TREASURE. She was the perfect hostess. She could always fill a room with smiles and laughter. She loved her friends and family dearly. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.
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Ann Vincent uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 21, 2022
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Sincere condolences on the loss of a beloved daughter, sister, sister in law, aunt and friend to so many. I count myself among those fortunate to have had Theresa as a a friend and co-worker. She was a thoughtful, considerate, and caring person who was always quick to volunteer a helping hand, some good advice, a shoulder to cry on, or a wiling ear to listen, as needed. How we laughed! You could always count on Theresa to turn even a stressful event into a funny story. Theresa and I started our teaching careers at Loretto a year apart and shared an office for almost eight years. She was part of making countless happy memories both at school and outside of work. Whether it was helping organize a staff social, a student event, a baby shower, field trip or a wedding reception, Theresa was at the centre of it all, calmly ensuring everything went well. She touched my life in countless ways and will forever be part of my happy Loretto memories. She will be deeply missed and always remembered. Rest in peace, dear friend.
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Donalda Ely posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2022
When I heard the passing of Theresa I felt so sad . Theresa was such a beautiful , kind lady . She was loved by all that knew her. My heart goes out to her brother John and sister in law Karin . She will be missed at all the special occasions that she was always part of ❤️ Theresa loved her 2 nieces Caitlin and Kristin . Theresa was a second mom to those girls . My heart goes out to them. I know how much she will be missed in their lives ❤️ Thinking of you all, my heart is broken . Love your friends
Donalda and Terry ❤️
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Tomi Tarasuk posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Awhhh, Theresa, you who oganized every event to include all details, didn’t give us a chance to say “good bye” or more poignantly—-to say, “thank you”! For 25 plus years of friendship—-for helping host numerous family-focused parties—-for preparing 100s of your mom’s egg salad sandwiches for a Christmas Tea for the children of our Fraser students—-for helping clean our church pews (literally on your knees)—-for the many road trips and cottage retreats—-and especially for making them alll into a fun -filled adventure
Theresa, you often had the “last words” on an event. I share these words of yours as a final tribute. On your 65th Bday, I texted you this greeting:↙️
Wishing you every blessing---for all that you have accomplished---in your 65 years---23725 days‼️
You replied↙️
Thank you so much.
Already looking forward to my oas payment at the end of April.
And
Especially looking forward to seeing both you and Tina tomorrow.
And
Heading out to enjoy this glorious day. Have had birthdays with sun and temperatures in the teens and big snow storms. All are welcome.
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Gwen Campbell posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2022
I am so very sorry for ALL OF US for our loss. Theresa and I were alumni (staff) of MFC. Although we weren’t there at the same time, I benefited from being included in many of her fun-filled adventures. Thank you Theresa, for the birthday celebrations; for the cottage adventures on Lakes Simcoe, Erie and Hay Bay, and especially for sharing your antics with us through your delightful storytelling!
Gwen Campbell
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Victoria posted a condolence
Friday, November 18, 2022
Theresa, thank-you so much for being the greatest aunt to my friends. You were such a bright light in this world that we so badly needed. One of the cheeriest and kindest people I have had the honour of knowing. I can't believe you won't be at Kristin's wedding, I am still in shock. Deepest condolences to Theresa's family and dear friends.
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Gillian Vivona posted a condolence
Friday, November 18, 2022
My sincere condolences to your family and friends. Theresa was always bigger than life. I loved how she mastered the art of tact and strength whenever she managed a conference or event. She never let anyone get out of hand. She was honest but not hurtful and so compassionate. She is indeed a role model for us all. Looking forward to seeing you again my dear friend. Love you and miss you tonnes. Gillian Vivona
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James Agostino posted a condolence
Friday, November 18, 2022
I never taught alongside Teresa, but I would meet her whenever we had a TSU meeting. She was always supportive, easy going, friendly, and hard working. Teresa will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace.
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Charles Sauer donated to CANADIAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION/ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DU DIABÈTE
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Carmen and I wish to express our sincere condolences to the Oakley family. We are thinking of you!
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Toronto Secondary Unit - OECTA donated to CANADIAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION/ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DU DIABÈTE
Thursday, November 17, 2022
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Toronto Secondary Unit donated to HEART STROKE FOUNDATION CANADA / FONDATION DES MALADIES DU COEUR ET DE LAVC DU CANADA
Thursday, November 17, 2022
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Maíréad posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
From your first day at LCS as a student teacher, I knew we had to have you join us. A great colleague, friend and advisor. Your job as emcee at my retirement, made it so memorable.
Miss you forever, TBO,
Love Maíréad
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Mary Palermo-Cooper posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
You have always had a special place in my heart. R.I.P. Theresina Oaklina. I’m still in shock. A big loss.
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Elaine McLean posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
So sorry to hear the sad news of your loss ! I have many memories of Theresa as my colleague at Loretta College School!
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Joanna Manning posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
So sorry to hear this. Theresa was so kind and a great support to everyone when I was working at TSU.May she rest in peace and power.
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catherine sears posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Dear Mrs. Oakley, and all:
It it with a very deep sadness and shock that I express my condolences to you. I count Theresa as one of my dearest fiends. Oh, the adventures we had! Theresa brought people together in incredible ways. If there were a school function, she was always involved. If there were a TSU social function, she was the organizer and I was a helper bee. If friends were meeting, she generally was one of the primary instigators. I even had the pleasure of sharing Chrismas with you when the celebration was at Theresa's place. I know that Kristin and Kaitlin were the light in her eyes. I wish I had the opportunity of meeting Aby. Her after school visits with her mum were always a great source of comfort and fun for her. I also know that she was very proud of her brothers and the lives that they had created for their families and in their places of work. If my loss is enormous, I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your sorrow. I do know that she was a person of great faith. While it will take a long while to realize that I can't pick up the phone her again, I will fill those times with prayers for you as faith was a part of life that we shared through our union and school work. Whenever I was organizing liturgies, Theresa was always present and ever offering to help and/or participate. I am thankful for the life that she so generously shared and I am so very, very, sorry for your unimaginable loss.
Love,
Cathy Sears
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Rocco and Anna Riccio posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Our sincerest condolences to the entire Oakley family. So sorry to hear of your loss. May Theresa rest in eternal peace.
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Carmela Giardini posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
My most sincere condolences to Theresa's family.
I enjoyed working with Theresa at TCDSB. I admired her sense of justice as she advocated for her students! I appreciated her kindness and her sense of humour.
Rest in Peace, dear Theresa,
Carmela Giardini
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James Ryan posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
It is with great sadness I have learned of Theresa's passing. She was a wonderful friend and great teacher. God bless her and her family. May her memory be a blessing for all.
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Kathy Dempsey posted a condolence
Monday, November 14, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family of Theresa. I met Theresa in my first week of moving into Greystone. From Day one Theresa was an incredible friend. And always included me. Theresa tried to encourage me to walk and we tried that... the problem was she was incredibly physically fit and I just couldn't keep up with her. Theresa would swim every morning and then sit outside and wait for me (I like to think that and we would talk and laugh and solve the days problems.) As I'm walking the dog every day I still see here sitting there. With her big smile and kind heart. RIP Theresa you are loved and we will treasure our memories of you. Blessing and love sent to her family
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Michelle Blais donated to HEART STROKE FOUNDATION CANADA / FONDATION DES MALADIES DU COEUR ET DE LAVC DU CANADA
Monday, November 14, 2022
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Paulina Onilla posted a condolence
Monday, November 14, 2022
My condolences to the Oakley family. I worked with Theresa briefly at Loretto and I knew from the first encounter what a beautiful shining light she was. She always had a smile on her face that made everyone's day so much better. God bless Theresa and the legacy she leaves behind.
Paulina Onilla
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Adriana Albanese posted a condolence
Sunday, November 13, 2022
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Theresa's death. Theresa was part of a circle of women we call the Spa Girls. We always enjoyed her company, her sense humor and especially her 'reading of the tea leaves'. She will be missed.
Sincerest condolences to her family.
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Dalia Pacheco posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, November 13, 2022
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Dear Oakley family
I had the pleasure of working with Theresa at loretto Brunswick. Theresa was a fun loving gal and loved to share funny stories that would make us laugh.. her infections smile and laugh brighten up a room .. She loved and cared for her students. She made many friends at loretto. I was so sad to hear that she passed away.. she will be truly missed by many.. my sincere condolances to all of you may God bring you peace and strength during this sad time.. Theresa is in the Lord's loving arms and protection.
GOD BLESS
DALIA
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Vivien and Joe Baldasio uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful best friend.
Theresa was an amazing friend and we shared so many memories . She will be truly missed.
I am still in shock. The memories will live on and she will always be in my heart ♥️
Rest In Peace my friend
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The family of Ms. Theresa Loraine Bernadette Oakley uploaded a photo
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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The family of Ms. Theresa Loraine Bernadette Oakley uploaded a photo
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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The family of Ms. Theresa Loraine Bernadette Oakley uploaded a photo
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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The family of Ms. Theresa Loraine Bernadette Oakley uploaded a photo
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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The family of Ms. Theresa Loraine Bernadette Oakley uploaded a photo
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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Helen Williams uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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Theresa and I went to visit friends who lived in Peterborough, it was a beautiful hot summer day, sun was shining, everything was green and the colors were great - A good day for a drive out of the city
On our way there we got lost a couple of times and had to ask for directions - We laughed a lot about that and we agreed not to tell anybody. I don't think she'd mind if I tell you now.
We talked about many things, like doing some road trips in the future and she promised to come to high tea with me as I had never been .
We spent a lovely day sitting on our friends back deck looking out over a beautiful lake, eating, drinking, talking and laughing. We ended our day going to a country ice cream parlor and eating large cones of delicious ice cream - what a perfect day!
Theresa
I really thought we would have more time .
I will miss you ..
Helen xoxo
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Rita Bertossio donated to HEART STROKE FOUNDATION CANADA / FONDATION DES MALADIES DU COEUR ET DE LAVC DU CANADA
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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Marusia Kondrat uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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To Teresa’s dear family: I extend my most deepest condolences & sympathy to you in this time of grief. I was not only a colleague of Teresa’s but also a friend who I will miss. She was an extraordinary person who brightened everyone’s life that she came in contact with. I loved her sense of humour, her kindness & her ability to spread cheer to everyone. She was a beautiful person, inside & out. What a great loss to you, her much beloved family & to all her friends. Heaven has gained another angel.
Marusia Kondrat.
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Michelle Blais uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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I have so many wonderful memories of Theresa.
I remember marching from Queen's Park to City Hall with Theresa during a Harris years protest. We "bonded" on our rush to use the washrooms at the hotel across the street.
I remember that at every AGM I attended, Theresa made sure to include me at her table. Her hospitality and kindness, deep and enduring.
Every time I have a hot-flash, I think of Theresa and the advice she gave me for enduring and reducing this mid-life tribulation.
When TSU started marching in the Pride Parade, Theresa held our spot at the pub. Welcoming marchers with food and drinks.
Generosity is a gift which Theresa never stopped sharing.
When Theresa retired, I couldn't believe I would not see her as often, at TSU events.
Today, I am deeply saddened, as are so many in the TSU community, that I will not see Theresa again here on Earth.
My profound condolences to Theresa's family, dear friends, former students and colleagues, and all whose paths she brightened with her smile, her humour, and her care.
Michelle Blais
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Therese MacNeil uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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Dearest Oakley Family,
We are saddened by the sudden loss of our beloved “Cuz” Theresa and are hoping that you can find comfort in knowing that along with countless others, she was a wonderful friend to us. Her gifts of kindness, patience, easy-going quick-wittedness and as our kids described it, Theresa’s ‘youthful exuberance’, were freely shared during meals in our home, ravine walks, morning coffee chats, and especially in her story and treat times with Onchu who was the first one to race to the door to greet her whenever he sensed her presence. Onchu always attached himself closely to Theresa trusting she’d share that pocketful of treats.
Therese often expressed great love for her family, was looking forward to being auntie at her nieces’ weddings and was very devoted to the best possible loving care anyone could hope possible for their dear mother.
Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of great loss.
And may God bless her and welcome her with open arms.
Therese, Mike, and family & Onchu MacNeil
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Dave Szollosy uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 12, 2022
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I was so fortunate to have worked with Theresa on union activities and to have had her as a friend. She always selflessly gave her time and energy so that other people could enjoy themselves and have positive experiences in professional development. She never hesitated to correct me or redirect my energies when she thought I might be out of touch. One anecdote I remember well was when I wanted to get ball caps for our teachers on the picket lines, and I picked out the style I thought would work, only to be overruled by Theresa who call my choice an "old man's hat." To commemorate that moment, she presented me with my official Tilley "old man hat" on my retirement. I think of her every time I wear that hat.
I thoughts and condolences to her family and her many friends. She is a gem that will be missed.
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Giovanna Barbuto posted a condolence
Friday, November 11, 2022
My warmest condolences for Theresa Loraine Oakley ‘s Family….Theresa and I worked together at Loretto College School and all I remember is how much fun we had….great co worker to be with! Giovanna Barbuto
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Darrin Sciberras uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 11, 2022
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I had the pleasure of working with Theresa for 13 years as a teacher. For 10 of those years we worked together in Guidance. We were the quintessential definition of a team. We often joked the she was my "work wife" and I her "work husband".
Theresa was a caring soul with a big heart. Her organizational skills were beyond reproach. She dedicated herself to service to others through her work with TSU-OECTA. She fought against inequality and injustice. Theresa was a loving daughter and sister and a very proud Aunt. Most of all, she was a true friend.
My life has truly been blessed by being in her presence and my soul aches knowing that she is gone.
God bless you.
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Tina Magnanelli-Diana posted a condolence
Friday, November 11, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Oakley family. May the Lord be with you in this most difficult time. Theresa was a beautiful soul and an amazing woman. Cherish the memories.
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Susan Coxe-Hayle uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 11, 2022
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Theresa was a true Legend! So many of us can recount stories where she helped us out of challenging personal and work-related situations. She met us with kindness and humour and always made us feel heard and cared for. She had so many good friends, it is hard to count them all. I thank her for her guidance and friendship and wish her peace on her journey home. I send sincere condolences to her family, as we all know how deeply she loved them. Godspeed friend.
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Lisa posted a condolence
Friday, November 11, 2022
My sincere condolences, Theresa will be sadly missed by all those who were blessed to have her in their life.
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Jose Flores posted a condolence
Friday, November 11, 2022
Theresa, I want to thank you for your warm smile and support you provided to me when I joined TSU. Your mentorship and guidance helped me to further support new beginning teachers. Your attention to details when organizing events were outstanding. It is sad to hear that you passed away. I will always treasure those memories.
My condolences to the Oakley Family.
May the Lord bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow, reminding you of treasured memories, and the gift of shared love.
May He inspire you with the reflection of heaven in earth, from the seeds and flowers, to the mountains and springs.
And may you feel the Lord with you, walking besides you in the loneliness, taking your hand in the hardest times and carrying you through the waters of grief.
May you be safe and treasured in his hand.
Amen.
May God bless Theresa's soul and may she forever Rest in Peace.
Jose Flores
