Theresa Sperry Massa, 88, of Warren, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Corry, Pa., on July 18, 1934, the daughter of the late Earl H. Sperry Sr. and Margaret M. Sperry Sandberg and late stepfather, Carl Sandberg. Theresa was a 1953 graduate of Corry High School. She worked at New Process Company before she became a loving homemaker. Theresa also worked as a part-time real estate agent in the Warren area for a short period of time. She was well known in Warren County and the surrounding areas for her dog obedience school where she trained hundreds of dogs (and owners) for 30 years. Her love for dogs began as a very young child and was an important part of her life. In addition to training dogs, she raised several breeds, one of her favorites being the Collie. She taught them many tricks and put on shows throughout our area and Western New York. Two of her accomplishments while showing dogs included achieving Companion Dog status with her Collie and showing her English Toy Spaniel at the Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden.
Theresa was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church and had a strong faith in God. She enjoyed putting puzzles together, going to the casino, bird watching, playing bocce, and watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and school activities.
She is survived by her loving children: son William J. Massa Jr. and his fiance, Mary Watson; and daughter, Mary Massa, all of Warren, P.; three step-children: Bradley Massa and wife, Liz of Virginia Beach, Va., Bonni Knudsen and husband, Peter of East Lansing, Mich., and Barbie Thrower of Merritt Island, Fla.; grandchildren: Brittany, Jena and Ethan Massa, Ashley Stricker, Zachary Parker, Bradley and Elizabeth Knudsen,\ and Aidan Massa; she is also survived by her sisters-in-laws. Joyce Sperry and Ruby Massa; along with many nieces and nephews.
Theresa was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, William J. Massa Sr. He preceded her in death on July 29, 2013. She was also preceded in death by her four brothers: Earl H. Sperry Jr., George Sperry, Philip Sperry and Kenneth Sperry; and one sister, Mary Ann Sperry.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. W Warren, Pa., with the Rev. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Warren, Pa. Per Theresa’s request there will be no viewing or visitation.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave. Warren, PA 16365.
The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. 304 East St. Warren, PA has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.