Theresa (Pietropaolo) Lacognato 98, of Canandaigua, passed away peacefully on December 24 at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY.

Theresa was born on September 5, 1927, in Sinopoli, Italy, to Santa and Salvatore Pietropaolo. In 1928, her family emigrated to Canandaigua, the town she came to love deeply and proudly called home for her entire life.

She attended St. Mary’s School and was a 1946 graduate of Canandaigua Academy. In 1948, Theresa married Bernard Lacognato, and together they raised six children. She worked for many years at several Canandaigua retail establishments, including Nugent’s, Drew Stationery, and the Village Green Book Store.

A lifelong and devoted member of St. Mary’s Church, Theresa generously gave her time to the parish, especially enjoying her many years helping at the Parish Festival. She particularly looked forward to selling salt potatoes with her cherished “festival group.”

Theresa loved shopping and could happily spend hours doing so. She was also an accomplished cook and baker, best known for her “famous” cream puffs, which she joyfully shared—especially during the holidays. Above all, Theresa treasured time with her family and friends. Wherever she went, she always seemed to run into someone she knew. If you crossed paths with her, you likely stayed a while—and always left feeling better for it.

She is survived by five children: Sandra Shenkman of Canandaigua; Mary Beth (Mike) McWilliams of Canandaigua; Bernard (Glenda) Lacognato of Farmington; Michele (Robert) Wistner of Canandaigua; and Michael (Kristin) Lacognato of Granger, Indiana. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren: Jennifer Prever, Joshua Shenkman, Stephanie Canty, Jaime Shelters, Mandie Shelhart, Cara Rutherford (Troy), Jason Kazmark, Jeremy Stahlman (Keri), Shane Stahlman (Vanessa), Anjelica Stahlman (Abel Contreras), and Rena Rivera, Joscelyn Eklund, Ashley Lacognato, Maya Lacognato, and Ty Lacognato, along with several great-grandchildren.

Theresa is also survived by her sister, Josephine Spencer of Amherst, NY; her brother, Rocco Pietropaolo of Canandaigua; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends, especially Matthew Harris.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband, Bernard; her daughter, Joanne Berg; her son-in-law, David Berg; her great-grandson, Garrett Shelhart; her brother, James Pietropaolo; her sister, Margaret Canali; brothers-and sisters-in-law James Canali, David Spencer, Margaret Pietropaolo, and Patricia Pietropaolo; and her nephews Anthony Canali and Richard Hermann.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful group of women who provided Theresa with exceptional care: Beverly, Sue, Micky, Kay, Annette, Sophie, Annette, Linda, Jayne, Tosha, and Diamond, as well as her granddaughters Mandie Shelhart and Stephanie Canty. The family also extends sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of F.F. Thompson Hospital for their compassionate care and for making Theresa’s final days peaceful and comfortable.

Friends may call at Fuller Funeral Home, 190 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, on Wednesday, January 7, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Theresa’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday, January 8, at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Theresa’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to St. Benedict’s Parish for St. Mary’s Church.

To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com.