"I have so many fond memories. It was always an adventure when spending time with Theresa. She was continuously trying to get me out of my shell whether it came to trying new foods or talking to people. She would create thin, little hamburgers when we would go camping because I would only eat McDonald's burgers. She introduced me to reubans, which I love. She also took me under her wing and would make sure all the older kids would not leave me in the dust. She will forever be a champion in my eyes!"
In loving memory of
Theresa M. Hare
March 27, 2014
Madison, WI has lost a good one. Theresa Marie Hare (Castagna) went to Heaven on March 27, 2014. She fought one helluva fight and did it her way. Cue the Frank Sinatra music! Her spirit still lives on with all who were fortunate to know Theresa. She touched everyone she ever knew. She was fun, funny, hard-working, friendly, the life of the party and made you feel like part of the family. She was tough as nails and you wouldn't have wanted to make her mad. She was a 5 foot powerhouse bursting with personality.
She married the love of her life, Jesse Jack Hare and together they forged a life branded with the motto "You only live once, so what the hell, go for it!" Theresa opened her first bar Chesty's in 1952 and eventually ran many businesses with Jack including The Bunny Hop, The White Hare and Hare's Towne Bowl. Their life read like a manual of how to live the best life ever! Theresa was blessed with family, many friends, crazy adventures and lots of love. Theresa's daughters, Toni and Jackie always felt lucky to have been chosen to be her kids. The greatest gift she ever gave to her daughters was an idyllic childhood filled with fun, laughter and lots of love.
When friends think of Theresa they remember her quick-witted humor and how she made everyone feel special. She could be found most Sundays hosting big spaghetti dinners and pool parties. Theresa also loved to take trips in their family's RV. As Theresa grew older into what she called "the Rusty Years", she still stayed spry. She never missed an Italian Fest and reminiscing with former Greenbush neighbors. She taught her grandchildren that fine art of being a wise-crackin' jokester. They were lucky to know that their Grandma loved them with every fiber of her being. Theresa lived life not according to how old the calendar said she was. In fact, she really disliked hanging out with "old people". At 86, she never considered herself old. That is the key to defying 70+ years of smoking those damn cigarettes and eating a cheeseburger with a slice of raw for breakfast! Her strength, tenaciousness and determination was the foundation of who Theresa was.
So get ready world because the Angel of Happiness is on the scene! The Department of Fun will never be the same! Raise a Miller Lite, smile and enjoy life today as Theresa would tell you to do. We all love and miss you, from your family: Toni Hare & Marcy Braucht, (Katie & Alex Hipler, Gabe & Will Braucht) Jackie & Mark White (Scarlett, Marshall & Truman White), and the Arizona Hares.
Join us to celebrate the amazing life of Theresa Hare, Thursday April 3 at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at St. James Church, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, Wisc, with a 10:00 AM visitation and 11:00 AM funeral. Luncheon will immediately follow.
Tributes
"Toni, So sorry about Theresa. She was a spitfire! We didn't know whether to be afraid of her or laugh with her (and she liked it that way). So many good memories of her and your Dad from Hare's Towne Bowl. Take care."
"Mom, it was a wonderful celebration of your life today. I know you were watching down us and were smiling. I will always love you and so miss you. "
"I was looking for a funeral for someone else and found myself reading about this remarkable woman. I never met her but I wish I had. If I still lived in Madison I would have come to her funeral to hear more about her. Her obituary is one of the best I have ever read. You said what so many of us want to say about a loved one but end up with a conservative listing. It is always impressive to see one enjoying life until the end, with a beer and a smoke and a laugh."
"Hi Toni & Jackie: Sorry to hear about your mom. You know how close we were to her and Jack. We spent a lot of time together and what fond memories I have of those days and nights. I think you know that Bonny and I have moved to Green Valley, AZ. Gayle Cody called to tell us of Theresa's passing. God Bless, Don & Bonny"
"Theresa was such a beautiful person.. She touched the lives of everyone she met. God has one more angel in Heaven. She is watching over everyone "
"So sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. I was lucky enough to experience an RV adventure with your family to Florida. I remember how generous, FUN and caring your parents were. Fond Fond memories!! May her memories help ease your family's sorrow - and I know they will - you have lots of them! Lots of love going your way!"
"It was a great privilege for me to call Theresa friend. She, along with her husband, Jack, were responsible for giving me some of the happiest moments in my life. I will miss her smile, her quick wit and her boundless energy. When she would say or do something particularly clever or witty, her dark eyes would snap and a smirky smile would light up her face. I will really miss having her in my world but heaven is getting a gem. Thanks for the memories Theresa. I love you"
"Love you Mom. Everyone says they have the best mom, but they never had you for a mom. Hands down, you are the winner! We will miss you and will never let your spirit go dim. Love, from your daughter, Jackie"
"SHe was my shadow !! Till i was 18!! Making sure ! I did the right thing in life! I will always love her."