Teresa (Ferraro) Pilarski, 86, died peacefully on July 20, 2018, at The Hearth at Juday Creek in Granger. Teresa was born March 26, 1932, in South Bend, Indiana, to Joseph and Mary (Barbaro) Ferraro.

As the daughter of Italian immigrants from Calabria, Teresa assumed a leadership role in her family when her mother went to work at Ball Band during World War II. Although she was only 12 years old, Teresa learned cooking and housekeeping skills for her parents and three siblings while balancing her life at school.

Teresa graduated from John Adams High School, where she was homecoming queen her senior year and began working as a model for Robertson’s Department Store and a secretary at Bendix. Because her Italian culture was so important to her, she enjoyed music and dancing at the Di Loreto Club during her free time. Through her employment at Bendix, she met her future husband, Edward John Pilarski, a science teacher and coach who worked during the summer months as a Bendix security guard. On Oct. 3, 1953, Teresa married Ed, who preceded her in death on Aug. 21, 1992.

Teresa’s focus in life was always her family, and she spent many years raising her five children in Niles, and attending musical, theatrical and athletic events in which her family participated. Teresa also loved hosting large family gatherings featuring plates of baked macaroni, stuffed eggplants, meatballs, and cannoli. Meal by meal and year by year, Teresa and Ed created a home filled with love and laughter.

When her children were young adults, Teresa worked at the Saint Mary’s College dining hall. There she met many students who, especially during finals, asked her to make their favorite childhood meals. After many years at Saint Mary’s, she retired with her husband, and they treasured the two years they shared until Ed’s passing.

Teresa, a lifelong Michiana resident, cherished her roles as a devoted grandmother and St. Monica parishioner. Following retirement, she also enjoyed trips around the country with family and friends. All who knew Teresa were touched by her gentle, compassionate spirit, her incredible strength and kindness-apparent even as she lived courageously with declining health at the end of her life.

Teresa is survived by her children who all live in the Michiana area: Dianna Schmitz (Edward), Karen Zappia (Michael), Edward Pilarski (Gina), Jon Pilarski (Diane), and David Pilarski. Survivors also include her seven grandchildren, Jonathan Schmitz (Francesca), of Nashville, Tennessee, Jessica Schmitz of Brooklyn, New York, Amanda Pilarski, of Los Angeles, California, and Adam, Nicholas, Alyssa, and Alexander Pilarski, of Granger; three great-grandsons, Edoardo and Tommaso Schmitz, of Nashville and Marcus Martinez, of South Bend; brother, Patrick Ferraro (Barbara), of Indianapolis; sister, Rose Sullivan (Edward, deceased), of South Bend; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

In addition to her parents and husband, Teresa was preceded in death by her brother Rocco (Rocky) and his wife, Rosetta, niece Mary Ann Ferraro, and beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law.

All the members of Teresa’s family wish to offer their deepest gratitude to the aides, nurses and staff of Keepsake Village at The Hearth of Juday Creek. Not only did they give Teresa care, but they cared for her with gentleness, dignity and love. They are angels who walk among the residents and families of the Hearth community.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 North Main St., Mishawaka. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m.Thursday, July 26, at St. Monica Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Center for Hospice Care, St. Monica Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at bubbfuneralchapel.com.