Teresa B. Mielke passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 87.
She was a resident of Horsham for 44 years. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Veronica (Carty) Machalette.
She was married to her beloved husband, Fred, for 57 years until his death Aug. 3, 2004. She was a homemaker most of her life.
She is survived by her five children, Theresa Charles (Richard) of Hatboro, Brenda Rapant (Tom) of Lancaster, Fred Mielke Jr. of Lansdale, Regina Callahan of Old Bridge, N.J., and Glenn Mielke of Sellersville.
She also is survived by 11 grandchildren, Theresa Hatzis, Richie Charles, Cindy, Michelle, Dawn, Steven and Paul Rapant, Tara and Ricky Callahan and Lauren and Chelsea Mielke. She also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Ilynd, Deven, Aubrey, Tyler and Tommy Rapant, Marisa and Charles Hatzis, Javion Duran and Christian Callahan.
She was preceded in death by her brothers and sister, Joseph, Louis, Thomas, Frank and James Machalette, and Regina Babbitt.
She took great pride in her appearance, putting makeup on everyday. When she wasn’t ‘made up,’ you knew she wasn’t feeling well. She was always ‘decked out to the fullest.’ She was quite a lady. Mother wanted to be remembered as a ‘natural comedian.’ She was very particular about a clean house and home cooked meals. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and will be sadly missed by all of us.
Relatives and friends will be received from 8:30 until 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in The Decker Funeral Home, 216 York Road, Warminster, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 321 Witmer Road, Horsham. Interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 12265 Townsend Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 or to Lustgarten Foundation, Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714, in memory of Teresa.
Condolences to the family may be made at the Web site listed below. The Decker Funeral Home,
