This is a slightly edited blog that I wrote in November 2021 about my friend Theresa Tomasi. Ms. Tomasi is now 94 and still as vital and enthusiastic as she was when I first met her over 40 years ago. She still drives and still has children living with her, although she does have a full-time caregiver as one of the children is profoundly disabled.  

Rich and I connected with her and one of her sons, Taylor, who Rich mentored as a child. We went out for an early dinner and shared fond memories of Taylor as a little boy with no fingers on his right hand bravely and cheerfully taking part in team baseball, basketball, and soccer.  

The original home in which Theresa raised all her children was destroyed by a tragic fire in 2022. Theresa and her children are determined to rebuild and have a house big enough for family reunions. She is quite a woman.   

Here is my original blog.  

Although All Saints Day is usually on November 1, because of this year’s liturgical calendar it will be celebrated on Sunday, November 5. We will remember the saints who have filled our everyday lives and some extraordinary ones.  We will honor the loved ones who have left this earthly dwelling.    

  I would like to bring your attention to a woman who I have had the privilege of knowing. In the early 80’s, Theresa Tomasi and I came together for a joint effort to keep open The Elizabeth Lund Home, the oldest maternity home in New England.  I was the Board president, and she was appointed Executive Director. Theresa had incredible credentials for this task, having adopted children of her own and worked for years as the head of the Social Work Department at the local tertiary care hospital. 

https://www.kidsvt.com/vermont/vermont-visionaries-theresa-tomasi-mother-of-27/Content?oid=6163764

There are many things that I could write about Theresa, who at the age of 92, still has children living with her. This recent video and article will tell the story of Theresa as mother and advocate for children in a better way than I can.  Take a moment to watch, read and celebrate a modern-day saint. 

Theresa would object to my description of her as a saint.  However, to me, Theresa Tomasi, single mother of 27 adopted children, is the epitome of sacrifice, endurance, patience, and love-four characteristics of saintly behavior.  She models all that is good and kind. She is humble and grateful. She mirrors the compassion and unconditional love that Christ has for all of us. She inspires me to be a better person.  Isn’t that what saints do? 

Always remember that God loves you unconditionally. 

Terri