Therese Mardini, “Teta,” 91, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully with family members by her side on Jan. 15.
Mrs. Mardini was born on Jan. 1, 1933, in Beirut, Lebanon, to a devout Maronite Catholic family. She practiced her Catholic faith daily and was always a positive influence on those around her. She immigrated to the United States in 1991 and was incredibly proud to be an American citizen.
Mrs. Mardini was passionate about knitting and creating beautiful and memorable pieces, which are cherished by her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She was an avid cook and enjoyed preparing Lebanese and Mediterranean food, especially for friends and family.
Mrs. Mardini was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Mardini; her parents; her brother, Abdo; her sister, Mounira, and her two stepdaughters, Hayat and Mary Mardini.
She is survived by her three children, Tony (Dina) Mardini, Dina (Rami) Mishu, and Rita Mardini; and stepdaughter, Layla Mishu. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Christina (Sean) Rosean, John Mardini, Johnny (Gabriella) Mishu, Joe Mardini (fiancée Carley), and Elaina (Taylor) Williams; three step-grandchildren, Sam (Mary) Mishu, Tom (Jasmin) Mishu, and Susan Dakak; several great-grandchildren; brother, Mansour (Samia) Assaf; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass for Mrs. Mardini was celebrated at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut on Jan. 25. Burial was at Berry Highland West Cemetery in Knoxville.
