With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Teresa Costantini. Born on March 15, 1944 in Cagli, Italy, she passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and boundless love.

She grew up in a household surrounded by her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins establishing her core values of family traditions, food, and finding joy in life's simple moments. Teresa fondly reflected on her youth in Monte Peruzzo, smiling as she shared stories of helping her mom bake bread before walking to school, getting caught sneaking olive oil, and the excitement of receiving five walnuts and an orange on Christmas.

At the young age of 14, she was offered a ride home by Mario Costantini, who lived on a neighboring farm. Unbeknownst to her at the time, Teresa would marry Mario just three years later in a small country ceremony on September 9th, 1961. In 1963, they welcomed their first child, Oscar, followed by their daughter, Sonia, and their second son, Ivan.

In 1966, her sister, Maria, had returned from America for a visit. In the image of her beautifully dressed sister, Teresa saw the possibility for a prosperous life. Shortly after returning to America, Maria and her husband, Cesare, began the sponsorship process, which was approved five years later. Despite doubts from family and friends, she and Mario sold everything they owned, borrowed money for their airfare, packed up their three children, and arrived in America on June 7th, 1971.

Life in America was not easy, but no challenge deterred Teresa from achieving her dream. The family lived in a small North Beach apartment, surrounded by a community of family and lifelong friends. She worked two, and sometimes three, jobs cleaning homes throughout San Francisco. With the help of Maria and Cesare, Mario and Teresa eventually bought their first home in Daly City, where their children grew up. There, they created many fond memories.

Through the connection of her good friend Maria Catena, she was given the opportunity to make handmade pasta for a renowned Italian restaurant, just as she had been doing in Italy before heading to America. She went on to build a career at Dal Baffo for 22 years, where her cooking became sought after. Here, she established a lifelong friendship with Vincenzo Lo Grasso, the owner.

Teresa sadly lost Mario twenty-five years ago, just as they had finished building their beautiful home on Monte Peruzzo, between the homes where they had both grown up. Though heartbroken, she remained devoted to the life and place they had dreamed of together. For the next twenty-five years, she returned every summer. Often joined by her children and grandchildren, she filled their home with laughter, meals, and lasting memories.

Her greatest pride was always her family, both in America and Italy. She gathered her family in America almost every Sunday for family dinners, which she lovingly spent days preparing. Every holiday was celebrated at her proudly set table billowing with beautiful place settings, meticulously plated food, and chatter and laughter that could be heard from far outside. She loved being surrounded by the unity of her family. Teresa was not only an amazing mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law, but also an incredible aunt, cousin, and friend. She enjoyed bringing together her extended family in Italy for her fabulous Ferragosto dinners.

Some of her proudest moments were her children's weddings to the in-laws whom she came to love as her own. She had ten wonderful grandchildren and spoke of them constantly with great joy, following their lives with deep interest and love. She was grateful to have witnessed two of her grandchildren marry just last year, moments that brought her immense happiness. At the time of her passing, she was especially looking forward to welcoming her first great-grandchild this March and celebrating her granddaughter's wedding this summer.

She was deeply involved in the lives of those she loved and had an extraordinary capacity for love, forgiveness, and teaching by example. Her warmth, strength, and generosity touched everyone who knew her. Teresa's life was defined by sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering love for her family. Her strength built generations, her kindness shaped hearts, and her memory will live on in every story told, every meal shared, and every life she helped guide.

Teresa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mario Costantini; her parents, Giuseppe Brozzi and Valeria Tassi; her sister, Maria Conti; and her brother, Piero Brozzi. She is survived by her loving children: Oscar Costantini (Vicky), Sonia Presotto (Matt), and Ivan Costantini (Tisha); and by her cherished grandchildren: Enzo Costantini (McKenna), Oscar R. Costantini (Hannah), Ariana Presotto (Nick), Sofia Costantini (Aaron), Alessia Presotto, Tatiana Costantini, Chiara Costantini, Giordano Presotto, Mario Costantini, and Giada Presotto - each of whom were the pride and joy of her life.

In honor of Teresa's life, a rosary will be held at Crippen & Flynn Woodside Chapel on February 2nd, 2026. Vigil at 5pm. Rosary at 6pm. 400 Woodside Rd., Redwood City. The Funeral Mass to follow at St. Pius Church on February 3rd, 2026 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.