Teresa Jean (Champa) Montano, Strong and Faithful to the Lord, born April 4th, 1931 passed from this life on November 23rd, 2019 at McLean’s. Prior to that, she enjoyed her home in PowderForest for a number of years, after moving from the family home on Carver Circle which she always made so special. She was born in Hartford, CT, the daughter of Nicholas and Rose (Martocchio) Champa. She lived her early years on John Street, just blocks from the old state house and the busy downtown. She attended Saint Peter’s School and walked home many days for lunch to enjoy fresh baked bread in the house they shared with her grandparents. Teresa was a survivor of the Hartford Circus Fire at the age of thirteen attending the circus with her mother and siblings. She attended Hartford Public High School, graduating near the top of her class. She was active for many years on her high school reunion committee and recently attended her 69th reunion. Teresa completed her formal education at Saint Joseph College while working in the pathology lab at Hartford Hospital. It was while working there, that she met her husband of 63 years, Robert, at a house party at his West Hartford home. They married on April 21, 1956 and began their life together in Simsbury after honeymooning in Bermuda.

Teresa hosted many family events at their new home in Simsbury, never failing to make each event the best time for all. She loved music and piano and enjoyed a part time job at the local music store, where she was responsible for the sheet music department. She later worked at the Simsbury Bank in the safe deposit department, greeting many town residents and making lasting friendships.

Among her favorite memories are the many family vacations over the years: trips to Rocky Neck Park and Cape Cod in the early years, to later trips to the Outer Banks, Paris, England, California, and back to Bermuda with her children. Teresa loved being together taking in the sights and then reminiscing over all the great memories. When casinos came on the scene Teresa was an avid and energetic presence on senior bus trips and on car rides with like-minded friends to look for the right machine and enjoy a day together. She was a wise advisor and caring to all from distant friends and family to those living close by. She loved saving leftovers and feeding her animal friends a good meal.

Teresa is survived by her husband Robert, and her son Steven and his wife Julie. She is predeceased by her beloved daughter Elaine. She is also survived by her brother John Champa, sisters Vinsetta (Champa) Coe and husband Richard, Rosann (Champa) DiMartino and husband Philip, sister in-law Gloria Carabillo, and nieces and nephews.
“Where I am from, is also where I am going.”

Calling hours are Monday December 2nd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Funeral will be Tuesday, December 3rd, 10:15 AM from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 AM at Saint Mary’s Church in Simsbury. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. Donations in Teresa’s memory may be made to “McLean Entry Restoration and Artwork Fund”, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070. Please visit Teresa’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.