In Memoriam: Teresa Rita Susviela

Teresa Rita Susviela (November 27, 1934 - August 13, 2026)

In the tender compassion of our God, Teresa Rita Susviela has returned to el Casa del Padre (the house of the Father). After a brief period of hospice care, she died on Thursday, August 13, 2026. She is predeceased by her parents, Alberto Susviela and María Esther Peregalli and her brother, Alberto Julio Susviela. We express our condolences to her sister-in-law, Myriam Farías; nieces and nephews, William Susviela, Eduardo Susviela, Gabriela Karbusky, and Karina Faotto; and her great-niece, Micaela Susviela.

Teresa was a member of Saint Peter’s Church for more than 40 years. And for her, Saint Peter’s was more than a church. With no family in this country, the people of Saint Peter’s were, and remain, her family. Until her diagnosis and hospitalization, Teresa never missed a Sunday mass. Rain, shine, wind, snow. These were no match for her inimitable spirit. When asked if she needed help opening a door or lowering the cart she often used to steady herself, her answer was always a resolute: “thank you, but no, I am just fine.” 

Teresa was an early member of the International Ministry and the misa community founded by The Rev. Hector E. Ribone. She reveled in Noche Latina parties and Mardi Gras, and was a regular at parish brunches and celebrations. In April 2008 she joined the Older Adults Center at Saint Peter’s, then a relatively new partnership with Lenox Hill Neighborhood House.  

Music and poetry were strong interests in Teresa’s life. She was a guitarist and enjoyed reciting poetry, sharing her artistic spirit both with the Saint Peter’s community on Sundays and with the Older Adults community during the week.

It is hard to imagine Teresa anywhere other than Saint Peter’s. Anything other than Saint Peter’s was secondary to her. Likely, this was true even before she retired as a nurse's assistant and massage therapist. This we know for certain: hers was a life marked by service to others. She volunteered with the Red Cross, generously offering her knowledge, skill and time.

Teresa will be inurned in the Columbarium on Sunday, October 25 at the 1:00 Misa. She asked that this be a simple inurnment and with little fanfare. We will honor her wishes while also accompanying her in death much as in life: in abundant community.

As we give thanks to God for Teresa’s life and faith, we pray confidently:

God of all grace, we give you thanks because by his death our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed the power of death and by his resurrection he opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Make us certain that because he lives we shall live also, and that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, will be able to separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Grace and peace to you,

Jared R. Stahler
Senior Pastor