Theresa Ann Zicarelli, 93, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, surrounded by family and love.

Theresa was born May 21, 1931, to Jack and Katie (Civella) Distefano. She attended Karnes School followed by Manual High School where she was part of the 1948 graduating class. Theresa loved all sports including volleyball, basketball, tennis, and field hockey. She was voted captain of the All Star Athletes. The following is a paragraph from her yearbook: "First on the list comes Theresa Distefano, the one girl who is the most outstanding of all the All Stars. She measures little in size but large in heart and the spirit to win. Small but mighty is the one designated to be Captain of the All Stars. This neat good looking little girl can put her heart into any game and usually come out on top"

With sports being her passion, she was overjoyed to take the position with the Don Bosco Center. This is where she shared her athletic abilities by coaching what became known as "her Girls"! Those years were often spoken about by Theresa with such fond memories.

During her time working at the Center, she met and later fell in love with Carl Zicarelli . Before being sent to Seoul, Korea, he asked if she would wait for him, and she did. After two years of waiting, he returned in November and they were soon married……for 71 years!!

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband Carl in 2014; her parents; her brothers Carl Distefano and Pete Distefano; and her beloved grandson Dominic Carl Zicarelli.

Theresa's greatest role in life was being a mother and nana. Her family was her world. Nothing put a bigger smile on her face or joy in her heart than to have her grandchildren bringing her great-grandchildren to see her. She called them her "Badu Duji's".

Theresa is survived by her children Antony Peter Zicarelli, and Katie Ann Accurso (Roger), whom she loved dearly; grandchildren Tara Marie Nemero and husband Todd Lanham, Micaela Ann Manillo, and her granddaughter's father Mike Manillo; great-grandchildren Jaxon and Ava, along with Serena, Dominic, Carmela and their mother Jessica Abelino. Theresa also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cherished lifelong friends.

Fly high with the angels my cardinal.

The family would like to thank the staffs of North Kansas City Hospital and NorthCare Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 3, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com