Theresa Ann Whaley

HUDSON FALLS – Theresa Ann Whaley, age 88, went into the arms of Lord Jesus on Thursday, March 14, 2024, surrounded by loving family members.

Born on June 9, 1935 in Manhattan, she was the elder daughter of the late Angelo and Raffaela (Piscitelli) Ricapito. 

Theresa spent her formative years in Manhattan’s Little Italy amongst many Italian relatives.  The family lived for 15 years at 91 Elizabeth Street, New York City.  In the same apartment building lived Theresa’s beloved grandmother, Isabella Piscitelli, with whom she spent many hours each day. “Nona” spoke only Italian, teaching Theresa to be fluent in the language, which she spoke well into adulthood.  Every Sunday after mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Baxter Street, the extended family gathered together for a meal of homemade “sauce” and pasta.

Theresa started schooling at age six at P.S. 130 in Manhattan, attending through the eight grade.  She next attended Washington Irving High School where she studied dressmaking and fashion.  She was a proficient seamstress, learning tailoring, styling, and fitting, also having learned from her mother.  At the end of ninth grade the family moved to Hudson Falls, joining other extended family members who relocated upstate.  There her parents opened and operated Angelo’s Grocery on Ferry Street, where Theresa worked after school.  Theresa attended Hudson Falls Sr. High School, graduating in 1953.

During high school she met Leon F. Whaley of Fort Edward.  They were engaged during her junior year, and married shortly after her graduation, on July 5, 1953 in St. Mary’s Church, Hudson Falls.  Theresa and Leon (“Tag”) remained married for 35 years, until his passing in 1988.

She was intermittently employed in food service and was a homemaker.  Theresa was a life-long devote Christian, most recently attending Greater Glens Falls Bible Baptist Church in Hudson Falls.  She filled many notebooks with her studies of the Bible and with her prayers.  She loved children and animals, including the family dog, Charlotte, who spent many hours at her side during her final months.

She is predeceased by her brother Tomaso Ricapito; sister Antoinette Blair; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Theresa is survived by her children:  Leon T. Whaley of Hudson Falls; Rafaela Maria Smith (Jeffrey D.) of Forestport; and Patrick A. Whaley (Patti) of Kingsbury.  She has seven grandchildren:  Cassandra (Doug) Bixler; Ryan Maria (Mike) Sabo; Renee (Jacob) Vitale; Leah Whaley; and Kevin Whaley; and four great-grandchildren:  Benjamin Bixler, Asher Vitale, Cameron Sabo, and Lilah Sabo.  She has nieces and nephews special to her:  David & Soonhwa Blair, Anne Marie Linehan, Kelly & T.J. Nolin, and James Blair; and several great nieces and nephews.

She has special friends and neighbors, including Sandy Cowles, Mary O’Dell, and Bridget Evans. 

The family would like to thank the Fort Edward Rescue Squad (Tim & John) and staff at Glens Falls Hospital on Tower 6 & 2 for their care and compassion.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m.  at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls

Burial will be later in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Theresa’s memory to Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc.,  (P.O. Box 226, Hudson Falls, NY 12839), Greater Glens Falls Bible Baptist Church (1 ½ West Street, Hudson Falls, NY  12839), Alfie’s Rescue (c/o of S. Berry, 16 Buena Vista Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804), or the charity of one’s choice.