Mimma Teri Bertone was born October 15th, 1937 in Partanna, Sicily. She passed March 9th, 2021. Mimma came to America in 1970 to live in Franklin, MA after marrying the love of her life, Vito Antonio Bertone, whom she lost in 1989.
Her siblings Maria Teri Aiello, Rosario Teri, and Filippo Teri continue to live in Sicily, where Mimma split her time. Having lost her best friend of a daughter, Rosaria Maria Vandenberg in 2004, she is survived by her beloved son Antonio Michele Bertone, her loving daughter-in-law Alexandra Drane, and the joy of her soul – her three grandchildren: Alessia Chiara Vandenberg, Lily Rosser Bertone, and Leonardo Vito Bertone.
Sicilian to the end, three days before she passed she walked two miles, ate a beautiful meal with her family, and the entire family watched San Remo. She died in her son’s home, surrounded by her son, daughter-in-law, and her three grandchildren – who helped walk her to the other side.
Her care team was with us every step of the way – and we are so grateful to them for the gift they gave us in being able to be with her the way we were.
In the few days we’ve had since we lost her, what we miss most already are the countless little moments we were so blessed to have in all the time we got to spend with her. She was a pistol… fierce, proud, independent, courageous, and loving in every way. She would always say she was a ‘big tough woman’ – and she was – when it came to caring for and loving on her family and friends.
We are so grateful we did not save eulogies for eulogies, and she knew up until the very last moment how loved she was, and all the very many ways we appreciated her and the way she cared for all of us. In this time, we know we were uniquely blessed to be with her the way we were, and our hearts go out to all those who have not been so fortunate.
We know she is with her daughter and her husband now, walking some beach the way she loved to do, and we will all forever be the better for her. We miss you, Nonna – here’s to dancing to Sicilian folk songs right till the end… we know you’re dancing now.
Due to Covid-19 Mimma’s services will be held privately.
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Bertone Family. Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mimma Bertone may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at www.bidmc.org/giving or by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center” with “Mimma Bertone” on the memo line and mailed to: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Development, 330 Brookline Ave – OV, Boston, MA 02215