“I do ok for who I am “- FTP
With heavy hearts, the family of Miss Filomena Theresa Pepe share the news that she passed away holding her sister Louisa’s hand at Hogarth Riverview Manor on April 21, 2026. Theresa left this world just like she lived-up early with the birds and heading out at sunrise for whatever came next. She was a beautiful, kind, generous soul who never met a stranger.
Filomena was born March 25, 1951 at home in Orsara Di Puglia, Foggia, Italia to proud parents Antonetta Acquaviva and Antonio Pepe. As a child, she was shy and quiet, often happy spending time by herself. She spent her first seven years surrounded by nature and family-her parents, grandparents Donato Pepe and Maria Ventrudo, Giovanni Acquaviva and Filomena Trivisano-and many aunts and uncles who adored her.
In March 1958 , she set off aboard the SS Saturnia from Napoli with her parents and siblings Don and Louisa. They braved ten rough nights crossing the Atlantic Ocean before arriving in Halifax. From there they took a train to Fort William where relatives who had immigrated earlier welcomed them warmly.
She went to Vickers Heights school first, then Rosslyn Road school where she picked up English before moving on to the brand new Holy Family School. Later she attended Northwood Highschool.
Her childhood days were mostly spent growing up along Rosslyn Road.
Theresa loved traveling freely. As a teen she caught a train westward stopping in Kelowna to work picking apples-a happy memory she loved telling about often. Over time she lived in Vancouver, Toronto, various smaller towns across Northwestern Ontario before coming back home to Thunder Bay.
She cared deeply about animals and could often be seen walking all over town with her dog tagging along beside her.
Music meant a lot to Theresa too. While living in Toronto one time she scored tickets for herself and a friend to see Charlie Pride – her favorite singer. When her friend bailed last minute she still went alone-and somehow got backstage where they actually met face-to-face! Her life had many such amazing moments like that.
Mental health struggles started during her teens. She chose to live somewhat transiently but faced stigma as well as mistreatment over the years plus many different diagnoses.
In May 2020 , Theresa had a stroke that caused blindness which led to long-term care needs. During that first year there they also diagnosed autism when she was 69. They started treatment then that helped quite well.
The last three years of Theresa’s life were spent under excellent care by staff on 1 North Daffodil unit at Hogarth Riverview Manor where everyone treated her with respect and kindness.
She took great pride in her family whom she loved dearly
She leaves behind her son Kevin Cebrario of Schreiber Ontario; brothers Donald (Judy), Daniel (Jan Laing), Tony; sisters Louisa Edwards (late Robert), Maria Burla (Dave Goodheart), Michalina Pepe (Paul Manzon). Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews plus many extended family members here in Thunder Bay , across Canada , and Italy.
Following Theresa’s wishes , cremation has taken place. Her ashes will rest beside her mother ’s grave at Mountain View Cemetery in Thunder Bay. Part of those ashes will travel back home to Italy reuniting with Nonna Filomena Trivisano in Orsara Di Puglia. A private family service celebrating Theresa ’s life will happen later on.
The family sends heartfelt thanks to all those angels on earth who showed love , respect , or support toward Theresa any way they could. Special appreciation goes out to the wonderful staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor for their amazing care.
A big thank you also goes out to Pastors Melody , Gary , Sha , along with everyone at Grace Place – you always welcomed Theresa warmly ; treated her kindly ; supported her endlessly – truly saviors during hard times.
The private support workers deserve thanks too for being so kind while caring for Theresa – we felt comfortable entrusting our loved one into your hands.
The family kindly asks anyone wishing memorial donations be made directly to Grace Place honoring Miss Filomena Theresa Pepe ’s memory.
Simpler Times Cremation Centre located at 575 Central Avenue Thunder Bay has been entrusted with arrangements.
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