We all imagined our mom dancing her way into heaven. As a young girl, she loved to dance, was good at it, and planned to become a pro. Instead, she met Sam Mentesana, our dad, in high school. They were married on August 12, 1939, had five children, and stayed together an amazing 81 years.

Our mother, Teresa Messina Mentesana, passed away on May 29, 2021, at the wonderful age of 100. She was born on October 12, 1920, in Kansas City, MO to Sandy Ruffalo Messina and Charles Messina. The family members are extremely saddened that she is gone and remember how she touched so many other people in her life--especially those for whom she created thousands of Italian cookies over the years for special occasions. Now we're positive she is teaching all the angels how to make Biscotti. Overall, mom was amazing in the kitchen, and we believe without question her success had a lot to do with that small glass of Crown Royal on the counter while she cooked.

Waiting for her in heaven are her parents, sisters Marie Cipolla and Margaret Aleshi, brother John Messina, and stepson Phillip Mentesana and his wife, Rosemary.

She is survived by her husband, her children JoAnn Conforti, Charles Mentesana (Carol), Kathy Pruitt (Dennis), Mary Lichtenberg (Jack), Louie Mentesana, and her sister-in-law Marie Messina. Mom loved being a nana too, and was blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a large number of nieces and nephews. She insisted we celebrate our big, loving family every Sunday at scrumptious family dinners, and the more who attended, the merrier.

Due to Covid, a private service is being planned for the immediate family. If you would like to leave a message, please visit the Kansas City Star website, kansascity.com, or passantinobros.com.