Theresa Mary Bonfardeci, 85, of Utica, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 9, 2016, with her loving children by her side. She was born on August 12, 1930 in Herkimer, the daughter of the late Camillo and Josephine Varano Cenze. She was a graduate of Herkimer High School, Class of 1948. She was formerly married to Anthony Bonfardeci and from their union they had three children. She was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church. Previously she was a parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church in Herkimer. Theresa began her career at age 16 as a sales clerk for Myers Clothing Store. She held several part-time positions while raising her young children and caring for her father. In the mid 60’s she returned to full-time employment as a secretary for Mohawk Data Sciences (MDS) and for many years as an administrative assistant with the Herkimer County Sewer District retiring in 1995. After her retirement, she served as part-time secretary for religious education at St. Peter’s Parish until 2010. She possessed a dedicated work ethic throughout her career and was known for her sharp mind and impeccable attention to detail. Theresa possessed many creative talents including a love of music and writing poetry. She participated in several vocal groups including the Mohawk Valley Bicentennial Chorus and St. Peter’s Church Choir. Throughout the years, she composed thoughtful poems which she shared with family and friends. Theresa’s work was very important to her, however her life centered on her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, daughter in law, sister, and aunt. She shared a very special and extraordinary close relationship with her youngest son, Anthony. Theresa also enjoyed traveling with her daughters and her favorite spots were Italy and Hawaii. She delighted in preparing favorite dishes for her family, sharing in the special events of their lives, and spending time with her loved ones. She will be remembered for her example of selfless giving and her loving nature. Theresa also maintained life-long friendships with several of her high school classmates who were part of the “Junior Miss” Club. She looked forward to attending their weekly luncheons and special celebratory events. Theresa is survived by her two daughters Florence and her husband Dale Sadler, Charlottesville, VA, Joanne Bonfardeci, Utica, and a son Anthony and his wife Maria Bonfardeci, Clinton; seven grandchildren Matthew and his wife JC Sadler, Melinda and her husband Nathan Wilson, Nathan Sadle and Tony, Francesca, Nicholas and Thomas Bonfardeci; four great grandchildren Hayden and Joseph Sadler and Benjamin and Everett Wilson. She is also survived by her former husband, Anthony Bonfardeci, Utica, two sisters-in-law, Francis Ciola, Utica, and Marie Bonfardeci, Frankfort; 16 nieces and nephews, several cousins, and a close family friend Alex Fiato. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Ruggiero, Little Falls. The family is grateful that Theresa was able to remain home in her last days. They also would like to extend their appreciation to the nurses of Hospice & Palliative Care for their compassion especially Irene Kurtelawcz, and Dr. William Parker and Jo Parker, R.N. Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 13, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Thursday morning January 14th from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, N. Utica Her funeral will be held on Thursday morning January 14th at 11:00 a.m. from St. Peters Church, 422 Coventry Ave, Utica, New York where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. David J. Orzel. Those so wishing may consider making a donation to St. Peter's Church Religious Education program in Theresa's memory.