Montpelier, VT Theresa J. Arioli, 91, of Montpelier, died Friday, February 13, 2015, at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin. She died peacefully, gazing at the picture of Our lady of Medjugorje who held a special place in her heart. She was born October 15, 1923, in St. Sylvestre, Province of Quebec, Canada, the daughter of Arthur and Anna (Savoie) Jacques. She came to Barre with her family as a young child, one of fifteen children. She was a student at St. Monica's Catholic School and the College Jesus Marie De Sillery, Quebec City. Theresa wed Delio G. Arioli on June 5, 1948, at St. Monica's Catholic Church, in Barre Vermont. After marrying, the couple moved to Sibley Avenue in Montpelier, where Theresa lived for 57 years until becoming a resident at Woodridge. Survivors include her daughter Cynthia A. Murphy and husband Stephen J. Murphy of Montpelier, her son Joseph B. Arioli and wife Sally Borden of South Burlington, and her son Paul J. Arioli of Montpelier. Theresa is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristopher J. Murphy, Martin A. Murphy, Sarah T. Kitchen and her husband David A. Kitchen, Leah M. Jones and her husband Keith M. Jones, Krista M. Arioli and her fiancée Ben C. Willmann, Daniel J. Arioli, and Melissa A. Arioli, as well as four great-grandchildren, Owen Jones, Dean Jones, Cole Jones, and Sabin Kitchen; her sister Beatrice Herbert, her brother Lawrence Jacques, many nieces and nephews; and her Lydia Lewis, her lifelong friend, who was like a sister to her, her husband Carroll, and their children. She was predeceased by her husband, and twelve (12) brothers and sisters. Theresa was loved deeply by her children to whom she held the title of greatest mother in the world, best friend, confidant, and healer of all physical, emotional, spiritual wounds. In spite of enduring many physical and health challenges of which she never complained, be it family, friend, or someone she had never met before, her focus was always on them. If you had a problem she was always there to listen and comfort you. She never gave advice so much as made you feel better in unexplainable ways. Theresa had an extraordinary relationship and friendship with each of her children, her grandchildren to whom she was Noni, and great-grandchildren (Super Noni). They will miss her fiercely. To them, she was the light of their lives, providing them with unwavering support and love. To them, she was a quiet leader with immeasurable courage who selflessly gave her time, love, and positive energy. She was adored by her nieces and nephews, a number of who came to live with her and Delio when the need presented itself. She became a loving mother to them when they needed a mother and mothering the most, and she remained close to them throughout her life Theresa was a devout parishioner at St. Augustine's Catholic Church. There, she served her community as a long-time member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Augustine's, assisting in the church's soup kitchen, and doing altar preparations. In addition, Theresa was a member of the Ladies of the Knights of Columbus. Though she rarely missed a Sunday Mass, much of her spiritualty was practiced at home in prayer and meditation. She became known as a direct prayer line and it was common for her to be called by friends and family requesting her prayers. Theresa worked at Tomasi's Drug Store, as a nanny, and at Cabot Hosieries, though her favorite "job" was working with her dear friend, Carol Murphy, at a children's clothing store called KidStuff. Otherwise she generously spent her time providing rides and good company to family and friends. Theresa became a long-time resident at Woodridge and was loved and respected by the staff and other residents there. Although severely affected by a stroke, she looked after her roommates, tending to them, making sure the staff was well aware of their needs. While her stroke left her aphasiac (unable to translate her thoughts into understandable language) and unable to walk or use her right hand, she made strong personal connections with staff and residents alike, through a gesture, one of her famous looks, and a few words she could speak. It was a regular occurrence for a visitor to the nursing home to come up to one of us and tell us what a special person our mother was. In our society we measure the success by a person's status in life and their accomplishments in their professional life. By that measure Theresa lived an uneventful life of modest accomplishment. However, if judged by a more important standard her accomplishments were profound. This gentle soul exemplified kindness, the spirit of hope, and modeled how to love, and what forgiveness truly means; it was given freely, unconditionally, and without expectation. She left the world a better place by be in it, by this measure she was a giant. Finally, Theresa's family would like to acknowledge the dedicated staff at Woodridge Nursing Home, particularly the LNAs for making her life a little sweeter, a little brighter and by making Evergreen her home and you her extended family. She would want you to know she loved you. The family would like to acknowledge Dr. John Valentine, in whom she in trusted her care for over forty years. Calling hours will be Monday, February 16, 2015 from 6pm to 8pm at Guare and Son's Funeral Home in Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Montpelier. Immediately following the funeral, all are invited to join the family at The Steakhouse on Barre-Montpelier Road. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Augustine's Soup Kitchen or Woodridge Nursing Home activities.