Theresa (Mignacca) Principato's Obituary
Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of Theresa (Mignacca) Principato, who passed away suddenly on August 4th, 2023.
Growing up and attending St. John the Baptist Academy, Theresa discovered her love of nursing at age fourteen at St. Mary’s hospital. The nuns at St. Mary’s would often call St. John’s to see if Theresa could be let out of school early when they were short staffed at the small maternity hospital. Even then, Theresa was enabling cooperation and collaboration through her caring.
Theresa graduated from St. John the Baptist Academy in 1965, and St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in 1969. She was a proud alum of Syracuse University, where she earned her BSN degree in 1983, and MSN degree in 1996.
During her decades-long career at Crouse Hospital, first as an RN, then as a Charge Nurse, and then as an Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner, she was beloved and respected by patients and colleagues for a life defined by competence, dedication, and skill. The countless people she cared for, as well as their families, experienced firsthand her unwavering honesty, humanity and integrity in dealing with people at their most vulnerable.
Terry, as she was known by all, loved 2-seater, convertible sports cars. Anyone who had the privilege to ride in her MGs or Fiat immediately recognized her joy. She appreciated music, cooking, gardening and the many birds that visited the always-full feeders in her backyard. A voracious reader, she enjoyed finally having the time to read more during her retirement and could always be counted on to pass along her books and recommendations. Everyone’s emergency contact, Terry took care of all of us at one time or another. She will be greatly missed.
Theresa is predeceased by her parents, Paul J. Mignacca and Natalie (Alia) Mignacca and her siblings, Dr. Rita Mignacca (Donald Furiuso), and Michael Mignacca. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Frank Principato, and her siblings, Mary Caputo (Ray), Frank Mignacca (Mary Ellen), Rosanna Mignacca (Edwin Copps), Judith Mignacca, Dr. Elizabeth Seton Mignacca, as well as many nieces and nephews, and her dog Arlo.
In keeping with Theresa’s wishes, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Francis House, honoring Theresa’s life-long commitment to her community and compassionate care.
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