Theresa "Tess" Jadwiga Ostapiej

Theresa (Tess) Jadwiga Ostapiej, 73, danced into eternal glory on August 23, 2024.  Theresa was born January 10, 1951 in Virginiatown, Ontario, Canada, to Stanislaw and Stefania (Wieromiej) Ostapiej. A severe winter storm caused a number of complications which resulted in delaying her birth and depriving her of the oxygen necessary for a “normal” life.  As a result, cerebral palsy was her unwelcomed companion for the rest of her life.  Her early childhood was extremely challenging.  But an enormous amount of credit goes to her mother who, with the support of family and friends, mainstreamed Theresa through her early years.  Theresa spoke English and Polish, had a beautiful penmanship, was fastidious and fashionable in her personal appearance and an impeccable housekeeper.  She was always smiling, befriending anyone, and loved by everyone.  Theresa’s family immigrated to Holyoke, Massachusetts to be reunited with her grandparents and uncles. She completed her special education through the Holyoke school system.  As challenging as it was for her she was skilled at needlepoint and embroidery.  She volunteered at Holyoke Hospital and at Western Mass Pediatrics putting in over 8,000 hours filing medical records.  This did not include an additional 5 years of work not counted in the 8,000 hours.  She was a participant and a volunteer at Jericho, The Bureau for Exceptional Children & Adults, in Holyoke through which she was privileged to meet Mother Teresa.  One of her greatest joys in life was the adult tricycle her father bought for her.  She biked everywhere including traveling as far as Northampton.  Many people have commented on having seen her with her French Poodle making the trip along Route 5 to Jericho House.  She would recall later in life that the tricycle gave her freedom.  She possessed a phenomenal facial recognition ability.  Even if she hadn’t seen someone since they were a child she would recognize that person as an adult.  I had my doubts but I was proven wrong on many occasions.  Theresa loved to travel with family, friends and even traveled alone.  She has been to Hawaii, Alaska, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, South Dakota, and Canada.  She was adventurous and fearless. She absolutely loved the water, roller coasters, tobogganing, been in a submarine, an Alpine cable car, helicopter, cruise ship, whale watching, train trip, paddle boat steamer on the Mississippi, and in a hot air balloon. She played a significant role in helping raise her nieces and nephew.  She gave unconditionally of her time and love to them.   

Theresa was preceded in death by her grandparents Karol and Stefania (Lukasiewicz) Astapiej, her parents, Stanislaw and Stefania (Wieromiej) Ostapiej, an infant sister Stefania, her brothers Raymond K. Ostapiej (Ret. MSGT USAF) and Leon J. Ostapiej (Ret. SSGT USMC), her brother-in-law Leon J. Hajdamowicz, her niece Penelope Ostapiej Tukimaka and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.  The many people who brought joy to her and made life better are greatly appreciated by her family; most recently the staff and residence at Sarawood Assisted Living Facility in Holyoke, the staffs of Fallon Health Summit Elder Care of Springfield, the Center for Human Development (CHD) of Holyoke, and Western Mass Elder Care.  You contributed to ensure she had the best quality of life.  All the medical professionals; doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, you each contributed to making her life that much easier and more pleasant.  “Thank you!”  Also, anyone who stopped and turned around to hold the door open for us as we struggled to pass through, you who stopped by our table to say a cheerful hello, you who ensured we were seated at a table closer to the door when you noticed us struggling to get to the table, every woman who, unsolicited, offered to help me as I struggled to get my sister to the ladies room, you know who you are so “Thank You!” 

To cherish her memory, Theresa leaves behind her sister Vicha (Ostapiej) Hajdamowicz, South Hadley, MA, her brother Henry S. Ostapiej (Ret. Major, USA), Silver Spring, MD, and numerous extended family members and friends.   

In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to Jericho, the Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults (BECA), 537 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.   

A service will be held Saturday, September 28 at 10:30 AM at Saint Patrick Church, 30 Main Street, South Hadley, Ma 01075. The service will be Livestreamed on YouTube at St Patrick South Hadley.  Immediately after services all are invited to a Celebration of Life at Summit View Banquet and Meeting House at 555 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.  A private interment will be held later.