Theresa Coco Fertitta, born on December 17, 1918, in Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 4, 2009.

She was the wife of the late Vincent A. Fertitta, who served in the United States Army and died serving his country in World War II.

Theresa was the daughter of the late Joe and Concetta Chimeno Coco, who immigrated from Cefalu, Italy to raise their family.  Growing up as the daughter of Joe and Concetta, she assisted her parents in the operation of their grocery business.  She graduated from Beaumont High School and was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.  Later in life she became an active member of St. Anthony Ladies. 

Theresa first started in partnership business with her younger sister Rosetta at Gulf Street Liquor for eighteen years.  She later opened her own business at 3297 Highland Avenue leasing for seven years, and following that, built her own building across the street at 3290 Highland, which was named Terry’s Liquor Store.  She was very happy and successful in business and cared a lot about all of her customers.

Her beloved, 98 year old brother, Charlie Coco cared for and adored his sister very much so.  He fixed her appliances at any time of the day and always catered to her many needs. 

Her favorite sister, Concetta Coco Walker, was her best friend and neighbor.  They took many trips gambling on the boats in Louisiana and enjoyed eating out together.  At times, they would go to church together and spend the day at the mall. 

She was also the sister of the late Sam Coco, Josephine Coco Messina and Rosetta Coco Ramey.

Theresa had many nephews and nieces of all ages.  She was a dedicated, hard-working and compassionate mother figure to her loving nephew, Joe Ramey, whom she considered and raised as her own son.  She loved spending the holidays with her beloved nephew, Joe, and his beautiful wife Nikki, and would always look forward to going to their home.  Their love for her was so sincere and compassionate. Carl Walker, also her beloved nephew, cared for her so much by driving her to the boats with his mother, Concetta.  He even bought her a special stool to get into his car recently in order to make it easier for her to get into the car.  His patience and kindness will always be appreciated by his Aunt Theresa.

Carolyn Deitz, her Godchild and niece, was such a wonderful and loving person and would let her Aunt Theresa spend weeks at her home.  They would go to the mall and church together and spend quality time together.  Theresa really enjoyed the time she spent with her niece Carolyn, and her late husband, Gene Deitz.  Lastly, her younger niece, Concetta Borsellino, was her phone pal, known as the on-call night owl; one complimented the other.  It was evident that Concetta had a special place in her heart for her aunt.  Concetta’s husband, Paul Borsellino, and Theresa shared many memorable times together and Paul was always making her laugh.  Those moments will be cherished forever. 

In addition, are the late Sam and Lena Coco’s children who are Theresa’s nieces and nephews as well.  These consist of Concetta Marie Coco, Rosa Coco, Joseph Sam Coco, and Vincent Coco.

Theresa had additional great and great-great nieces and nephews of younger generations.  The following are her great nephews:  Jamie Borsellino, Joseph L. Ramey, Jr., Kenneth, Kristopher, and Kelly Patrick Sanders.  She also had two loving great nieces, Nicole Ramey Saba and Godchild, Tammy Borsellino-Gonzales.

Her great-great nephews include Will and Nicolas Saba; and Will, Kelly, Michael and Anthony Sanders; and Joseph Ramey, III.  Her great-great nieces include Alexandria, Victoria, Kenna and Erin Sanders; Ramey Rose Saba and Madison Borsellino-Gonzales.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica Ladies, P.O. Box 3309, Beaumont, Texas 77704.