Obituary: Theresa (Cortina) Rosati

Nov. 24, 1920 ~ Nov. 13, 2023

Theresa Rosati peacefully died at her home on Nov. 13, 2023, surrounded by her family.  Theresa, born on Nov. 24, 1920 in Ripi, Italy, to Rosa (Mariani) and Luigi Cortina, embraced a remarkable life that spanned an incredible 102 years. Theresa was eleven days shy from celebrating her 103rd birthday. 

A devoted mother, Theresa leaves behind a legacy of love through her seven children: Regina Rosati, Stephanie Haack, Michael (Kay) Rosati, Annamarie (Joseph) Bensfield, William (Joanne) Rosati and Jeffrey (Karen) Rosati.  She was the cherished grandmother of 14 grandchildren: Bryan Maas, Melanie (Dave) Masino, Holly Rosati, Samuel (Kinsy) Rosati, Robert (Rosalind) Rosati, Sarah (Matthew) Cohen, Samantha (Paul) Waterloo, Elizabeth Bensfield, Jake (Sylvie) Bensfield, James Rosati, Jack Rosati, Emily Rosati, Jay Rosati, and Allie Rosati, and great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren: Alyssa Mansfield, Josh Mansfield, Wyatt Rosati, Sloan Rosati, Benjamin Waterloo, Charles Cohen, Vivienne Waterloo, Ricky Cohen, Lily Waterloo and Sofia Rosati. Theresa was sadly preceded in death by her eldest son, Rick Rosati and her husband, Fred Rosati.

Theresa’s journey began when she and her family emigrated to America, arriving at Ellis Island when she was just nine years old.  Settling in Chicago, she graduated from Austin High School in 1938. Theresa pursued her passion for style as a retail clerk at Carson Pirie Scott on State Street in 1944, later resuming her career there in 1980 until her retirement in 1992. 

In 1946, Theresa married Fred Rosati, and they built their life together in Riverside. Theresa was the epitome of a natural-born mother. She spent two decades with a baby on her hip, a toddler on her leg, and a flurry of activity from the other children throughout their modest home all with a smile on her face.  By the time her last child was born, the grandchildren were soon-to-be on their way. Theresa was the heartbeat of the home. She hosted Sunday gatherings for the entire family to come together, nourishing both their souls and their bellies. Theresa was known as the Baby Whisperer. Her nurturing touch and soothing song brought comfort to generations.  

Theresa did not shy away from hard work.  In fact, she was one of those rare people who relished in it, instilling a strong work ethic and self-reliance in her children.  A devout Catholic, she was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Parish. Theresa found solace in her faith, enjoyed reading, walking and yard work.

A private family service at Stella Maris Parish – Egg Harbor site will honor Theresa’s memory, officiated by Father Anthony Birdsall.  She will be laid to rest in St. Rosalia Cemetery in Sister Bay.

Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Rosati family with service arrangements. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Theresa may be shared with her family through her tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com