Theresa Frances (Trecasse) Mercurio, 81, of Neshannock Township, New Castle passed away at 5:08 a.m., Friday, September 16 at her home, surrounded by her loving family after a long illness. She was born on May 23, 1941, in New Castle to the late Patrick and Jessamine (Bobbino) Trecasse. She was preceded in death by her sister Patricia (Trecasse) Sanfilippo.

After graduating from New Castle High School in 1959, she moved to Washington D.C. where she met Joseph J. Mercurio whom she married on April 16, 1966. They have resided in New Castle for the past 50 years. Joseph survives at home. Even after 56 years of marriage, they were inseparable, taking monthly trips to the local casinos and their annual vacation to Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

As a teenager, she dreamed of being a social worker. Her work captured her generosity and altruistic spirit. She began her 25-year career with the American Cancer Society as a secretary and was eventually promoted to Executive Director of Lawrence and Beaver Country. She also served as Income Development Director for its former Pennsylvania division.

She had a rock and roll heart. She loved music and dancing. She shared fond high school memories of Swing Lobby where she and her friends would go to the YMCA on Friday nights to dance. She and her children shared their joy for the music of Bruce Springsteen, attending several concerts together. At one show, from the edge of the stage, he briefly held her hand and sang to her.

She loved parades, marching bands, and flowers. She found magic in digging in the dirt while gardening. She was a member of St. Camillus Holy Spirit Parish Church.

She is survived by children, James Mercurio, Allison Mercurio, and Laura McCurdy (Todd); her granddaughter Elizabeth Anderson (Joshua) of Hopewell; and great granddaughter Izabella DeBerry. Other survivors include her cousin Tona (Bobbino) Recce of Elwood City and several beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins. She believed that family is everything.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 20, from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

A procession will leave the funeral home on Wednesday, September 21 at 9:30 am for a Mass of Christian Burial. Mass will be held at 10:00 am at St. Camillus Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com