Our dear mother Therese Milliken Esposito passed away on August 17, 2022 at the age of 96 after a long and full life. She was predeceased by her husband Carmen, her 3 infant children Steven, Barney and Bernadette, her infant great-granddaughter Grace Esposito, her parents Cornelius and Jean Sturgis Milliken, brothers Cornelius Milliken and William Milliken, sisters Sr. Kathleen Milliken, Helene Clark, Jean Sweeney and Mary Virginia Welch.
She is survived by her children Dominic (Camilla) Esposito of Fairport, NY, Kathleen Esposito of Webster, NY, Jacqueline (Anthony) Fitzpatrick of Tucson, AZ, Anthony Mark (Vickie) Esposito of Raleigh, NC, Mary Christine (Alan) Brick of Webster, NY, brothers Fr. Damian Milliken, James (Anna) Milliken and Joseph (Sylvia) Milliken, sisters Elizabeth (James Williams) Milliken, Margaret (Charles) Nittinger, Rose Nehring, Ann Henson, sister-in-law Therese Marie Forte, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Therese was born in Elmira Feb. 28, 1926 and graduated from St. Patrick’s School and Elmira Catholic High (now Notre Dame High School). She earned her RN at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Elmira and in 1948 married Carmen and began raising her family, first in Albany and Buffalo for a few years before settling in Elmira. (www.appstar.net) She was a life long learner, starting back in college when her children were teenagers, earning further degrees in Nursing, History and Sociology, as well as a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing. She used her nursing degrees and caring nature to full use in various nursing jobs and was an inspirational teacher of nursing skills for many years at Corning Community College and Elmira College.
During their many years in Elmira, Therese and Carmen were communicants of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and she was an active volunteer in many church functions.
After retiring from teaching in 1986, she and Carmen enjoyed extensive travel around the US and overseas, including several trips to Italy, but her favorite trips were to visit her out of town children. She loved live theater and music (she and Carmen especially enjoyed Dixieland music), watching old movies and doing crossword puzzles. She was a fan of mystery books, often reading an entire author’s work before moving on to a new one. She was an excellent seamstress, making countless outfits for her children as they grew up, and also tried her hand at amateur theatrics while at Corning Community College. We’ll remember her great sense of humor, and how she frequently ended our conversations with: “Be good, and if you can’t be good, be careful!”
She was always up for a new adventure and convinced Carmen to study Italian in Florence in 1994, which further enhanced their visits to his extended family in Italy.
In 2009, she and Carmen sold their home of 50 years in Elmira and moved to Webster to be closer to family, and they continued to enjoy many family gatherings in the area.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, and was always willing to lend a sympathetic ear when needed. Her cheerful and caring nature displayed itself in her unfailing kindness and empathy for everyone and she will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Maplewood Nursing Home in Webster for their excellent care during her final months.
No prior calling hours. A private service will be held in the future.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:
Benedictine Mission House
PO Box 528
Schuyler NE 68661-0528
Attn: Br. Tobias Dammert
Donations should be clearly marked: Fr. Damian Milliken’s African Education Fund
Comments
6 responses to “Esposito, Therese M.”
As first a student and eventually a colleague, Therese was a delight to know. My sincere condolences to her family.
Dominic and Camilla – I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To the Esposito family: you are all in my prayers…especially your mom. I still laugh at all of the “Toots stories,” particularly recalled by Dom. She has been reunited with Carmen…God bless.
I am So saddened by this news.
Much love to the Esposito/Milliken clans
Xoxo,
Ned
Prayers for the family of a very fun and happy gal.
When Anne and I joined Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Elmira, Therese became my first partner as Lectors. I could not have been blessed with a nicer person to work with and rely on. I am sad that we lost contact and even sadder to learn of her passing.
To Therese’s loving family, you have my sincere condolences for your loss.
Bob Guzman, Elmira