Teresa Zielinski Mortise

Teresa Zielinski Mortise, 69, of North Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 2, 2023, surrounded by the love and faith of her devoted family and friends. Terry was raised in Endwell, NY, the daughter of the late John J. and Alberta M. (Budrewicz) Zielinski, and sister of the late Nancy Zielinski Shea. Terry dedicated her entire life to spreading love, kindness, faith, compassion, and generosity in as many ways as possible to family, friends, and her community. From Maine-Endwell High School; to St. Joseph’s College of Nursing; to Le Moyne College; to becoming a highly respected Registered Nurse; to embracing the role as Nurse Manager of Family Medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital; to volunteering wherever needed, Terry was known and will always be remembered for the countless ways in which she served and deeply cared for those around her. She touched the lives of hundreds of patients and co-workers, and dedicated her profession to a 47-year career at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse, N.Y. Nominated by her co-workers, doctors, and selected by committee, Terry was honored in 2013 with the St. Joseph’s Hospital Sister Patricia Ann “Lifetime Achievement Award.” This award is given to a dedicated employee who exemplifies the caring principles and characteristics established by the hospital's founding Franciscan Sisters. Outside of caring for her family and community, Terry loved working in her vegetable garden, a passion that she had proudly shared with her father. Every Spring, Terry embraced the wonder and beauty of the new growing season, and brought a smile to others with her perfectly grown vegetables, as well as beautiful photographs that she took of flowers, plants, and nature. She was especially excited to plant Italian green beans brought from Italy by her special neighbors, Jack and Maria Marino. Terry felt incredibly blessed to be surrounded by many kind-hearted and loving neighbors, and made certain to show her love and gratitude for them during her evening walks and touching conversations throughout the neighborhood. Surviving are her devoted husband of 45 years, Carmen F. Mortise; a loving and deeply grateful daughter, Kimberly Anne Mortise; a brother, John P. Zielinski; two sisters, Kathy (Dave) Reist and JoAnne (Carl) Cichetti; Sister-in-law, Phyllis (Rick) Hesselbarth; Brother-in-law, Richard Mortise; and many loving nieces and nephews; as well as grand nieces and nephews. In addition to her beloved family members, Terry has a lifetime of treasured friends, co-workers, and caregivers that she deeply loved who remained there for her throughout her kidney transplant and recent illness. Terry's family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received throughout the years. Calling hours will be on Friday, November 10th from 4 to 7 pm at Fergerson Funeral Home, 215 South Main Street, North Syracuse. Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 11th at 10 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 407 South Main Street, North Syracuse followed by burial in North Syracuse Cemetery. Donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima Church, 407 South Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212.

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Teresa Zielinski Mortise

November 2, 2023