Theresa Mary Puma's Obituary
Theresa Puma, 97 years young, passed away on July 27, 2023. She was born on March 9th, 1926, in Pittston, Pennsylvania. Her parents immigrated from Italy to the United States where her father was a coal miner from a young age and her mother took care of the family. Theresa was the oldest of 3 sisters and 1 brother.
She grew up learning to bake, cook, and sew from her mother. As a child her mother shared stories of family, religion, and life. She attended church and school, loving to learn everything she could about the world. While in high school she worked at a dress factory to support her family.
Theresa met Alexander Puma at a family event prior to World War II. She would tell the story that as she saw him walking down the street earlier in the day, she remembered turning to her mother and saying, “that is the man I am going to marry.”
They wrote to each other during Alexander’s time in the service and when he returned home, they got engaged. Theresa married Alexander Puma on April 19, 1947. They were married 62 years at the time of his passing in 2008. They had 4 children Charlene, MaryEllen, LoriAnn and Alexander.
They moved to New Jersey where she continued to be active in their Catholic church raising Charlene and baby MaryEllen. She held social events for the church at their home. After several years of cold winters, they moved to Miami, Florida in 1957 where they started their new life. A few years later LoriAnn was born and ten years later Alexander.
Theresa helped establish St. Timothy Catholic Church, where she and others started a fund-raising carnival for the church, which continues today. Theresa became an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church from its inception in the early 1970’s, serving in many different ministries.
She and her husband opened Puma Marble Company in 1969. Theresa managed the business and finances while of course being a mother and taking care of her family. In retirement, Theresa and Alexander spent time in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and watching Hallmark movies. In her later years, she embraced technology by watching mass on You Tube, playing Solitaire and keeping up with current events online.
She was a caring and giving person to all who came into her life. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing family stories and recipes.
Theresa was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, MaryEllen Seitz, LoriAnn [Mike] Hinton, Alexander [Melissa] Puma, grandchildren Scott Mutter, Carie Smith, Melissa [Rafael] Mestre, Jason [Jeanette] Starr, Danielle [Jorge] Arrizurieta and Amanda Puma, great-grandchildren Mason and Evelyn Mutter, Julia and Lea Smith, Alexa, Gabriel and Emilia Mestre, Jonas Starr and Jordan Arrizurieta. Theresa was predeceased by her husband, Alexander, daughter, Charlene Starr, and son-in law, Robert Seitz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
What’s your fondest memory of Theresa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Theresa?
Share a story where Theresa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Theresa you’ll never forget.
How did Theresa make you smile?
