Theresa Pierina (Ballestrin) Gheno, our beloved mother, grandmother (Noni) and great grandmother (Biznoni) passed away peacefully of natural causes on Thursday, January 17, 2013 surrounded by her adoring family. She was 94 years old.
Theresa was born in Santa Barbara, December 3, 1918, she was the third and youngest child of Pietro and Florinda Ballestrin. Her early education began at Our Lady of Guadalupe School and she eventually worked as a cook and housekeeper for the Riviera Dairy Farm.
In 1941 she married Dante Giovanni Gheno. During WWII they moved to San Francisco where Dante worked in the Bethlahem Steel Shipyards. Prior to moving to the Bay area Theresa and Dante witnessed the ‘flashing signal lights’ during the shelling of Elwood. In 1952 they returned to Santa Barbara where they raised their family of four children, Madeline, Peter, Daniel, and Robert. She was an amazing cook and never let anyone leave hungry. She was famous for her spaghetti sauce, potato salad, pizelle cookies and her homemade donuts. Her home was the heart of the family; it was the gathering place. Never a holiday went by that we didn’t celebrate at Noni’s house. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. And she was especially thrilled when she became a great grandmother in 2009.
Theresa was preceded in death by her husband Dante (October 1997) and her sisters Margaret Ballestrin Lucato and Maria Ballestrin Cretti.
Noni is survived by her daughter Madeline Rogers (Lonnie, deceased), sons Peter (Lupe), Daniel (Robin) and Robert. Her grandchildren Laurie Starks (Donald), Tracy Ibarra (Jaime), Gina Gheno, Peter “Rocky” Gheno Jr. (Stephanie), Giovanni Gheno and her great grandchildren, twins Melanie and Lukas Starks.
Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and her beloved dog Penny. The family would like to thank Lori Hamilton for the love and care she provided to our Noni these last few months, Dr. Sunita Beall for all her concern, expert care and kindness. And to the wonderful staff at Serenity House, their kindness, love and compassion helped guide our family and our Noni on her journey to peace.
Noni, we love and miss you dearly, you are the light and heart of our family. “Time is too short for those who rejoice”
Services for our Noni begin on Thursday, January 24th, with viewing from 4 – 6 p.m. and rosary at 7 p.m. at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel, 15 E. Sola St., Santa Barbara. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 25th, 10 a.m. Our Lady of Sorrows Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Serenity House, Visiting Nurses/Hospice Care – VNHC Foundation (805) 965-5555, www.vnhcsb.org.
To share a memory or leave online condolences, please visit www.wrhsb.com
