Teresa Maire Pantani

Teresa Maire (Edge) Pantani, 82, of North Branford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 2, 2022, surrounded by her family at her Stonington, CT, summer home.

Maire, born on November 1, 1939, to Ethel and Terence Lockhart Edge in Wickhambreaux, Kent, England (UK), immediately brought joy to her family during a bleak, wartime Britain. Maire often shared stories of her childhood, recalling the realities of growing up with ration certificates and air raid sirens. An avid, lifelong learner, she was dedicated to her formal education and attended boarding school in England before immigrating to the United States in 1961.

In 1963, she met Edmund L. Pantani and the two were inseparable throughout 43 years of marriage until Edmund’s passing in 2008. Together they had four children: Joanna Criscuolo of Branford, Thomas Pantani (Abbey) of Branford, Mari Pantani of North Branford, and Jonathan Pantani of San Francisco. Additionally, they lovingly raised their first grandchild, Elizabeth Pantani (Carissa Violante) of Guilford, as their own ‘fifth child.’ She joyfully welcomed her nine grandchildren Alex Pantani, Benjamin Criscuolo, Zelia Pantani, Joseph Criscuolo, John Crescenti, Lucia Pantani, Nathan Criscuolo, Matthew Pantani, Julianna Pantani, and great-grandson Elijah Edmund Criscuolo.

Described by her best friend as “a force of nature,” Maire was a fiercely dedicated mother to her children, raising all of them to accomplish great things. With a zeal for philanthropy, she was well-suited for her first professional role at the Yale University Alumni Fund. From there, she pursued a fulfilling career in library sciences, beginning at Notre Dame High School of West Haven, CT, before her passion for children's literature led her to Saint Mary’s School in Branford, CT. There she enjoyed more than fifteen years as a beloved librarian, inspiring the imaginations of hundreds of students. In 2009, she received the Christian Valor Award from St. Mary Knights of the Round Table in appreciation of her dedication and support to the school.

Maire’s British heritage was tremendously important to her, and she cultivated that deep connection through many of her favorite activities. She brought a bit of British flair to every family gathering, known for her mince pies, fruit tarts, and distinct cups of tea. She was an esteemed lifetime member of the Transatlantic Bride and Parent Association, an avid horticulturist and recently honored lifelong member of the Morris Cove Garden Club, and a keen historian who often aided with local Veterans of Foreign Wars events and refurbishments at Fort Nathan Hale.

Her dedication to her Roman Catholic faith was central to her identity. She was a member of the Legion of Mary for over 55 years and proudly taught catechism for decades throughout the shoreline area. Her strong character and integrity made for an ideal Girl Scout leader, Service Unit Chairman, and counselor at Camp Murray when her own children were young.

Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world, visiting over 40 countries by air and sea. She especially enjoyed pilgrimages to holy sites, supporting conservation zoos, and visiting sites of historical significance. Maire instilled this passion for travel in her children and grandchildren, bringing them with her to experience all the culture and excitement the world has to offer.

In recent years, Maire was snowbirding in North Palm Beach, FL, where she served on her housing community’s administrative board. She spent much time volunteering at the North Palm Beach Library (NPBL), including acting as Treasurer of the Friends of the NPBL. She frequented arts and cultural events throughout the area. Most of all, she enjoyed connecting with friends from up north who also spent their winters in the warm weather and building a community among those with a strong passion for their shared British heritage.

Maire was predeceased by her parents, her brother Terence Michael Edge, and her husband Edmund. She is survived by her five children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

To honor her memory, please consider a donation in Maire’s name to a cause very near to her heart, St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota (https://www.stjo.org/help-native-americans/memorials/).

Visitation will be held Friday, October 7, 2022, from 5:30-8:00 pm at Keenan Funeral Home at 330 Notch Hill Road, North Branford, CT. Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Catholic Burial on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 9:00 am at St. Therese Church in Branford, CT, with committal to follow at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven.

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