Theresa Strain

Theresa Maria Strain March 27, 1924 – April 2, 2023 Sacramento, California. Theresa Maria Strain, passed away at home on Sunday April 2, one week after celebrating her 99^th birthday with family and friends. The daughter of Michelina and Angelo Sacco, Theresa was born and raised in New Rochelle, NY. Theresa graduated from college with a degree in nursing. In the early 1950’s Theresa moved to Sacramento, California. An avid golfer, Theresa, along with her sister and brother-in-law, became partial owners of the Arden Golf Range, where she met her future husband Andrew Charles Strain. They married in 1957 and had three children Anthony, Christian and Natale, each precisely fifteen months apart. Theresa and Andy loved to travel and lived overseas in Bangkok Thailand and Lusaka Zambia with their children, and after the children were grown, she and Andy returned to live in Lesotho for several years.

While in Sacramento raising her family, Theresa worked as a school nurse. She enjoyed gardening, and was adamant that nothing be wasted.  Homemade soups filled with garden vegetables and fresh fruit harvested from the family’s fruit trees regularly graced the dining table. Vegetable and fruit peels were composted, along with the table scrapes and used coffee grounds Theresa took extra produce to local charities. A founding member of St. Ignatius Parish, Theresa was a regular member of the parish’s monthly feed the hungry dinner crew, often bringing and cooking produce from her garden.

Theresa is preceded in death by her husband Andrew, her son Tony, and her siblings, Vee, Samuel, and Saverio.  She is survived by her son Christian (Marla) and their children, Michelena (Christopher) and Ella (Matthew); and her daughter Natale Rivers (Robert) and their children Andrew (Antonia) and Samuel.  She is also survived by her sister, Mary Szelong, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A public church service will be held at St. Ignatius Parish, Sacramento, California on Thursday April 13^th at 9:30 AM.  In lieu of flowers people wishing to do so may contribute to a charity of their choice.