Theresa R. (Cavaretta) Kingsley

Mrs. Theresa “Terry” Rose (Cavaretta) Kingsley, 88, passed away peacefully, with loved ones by her side, December 12, 2025.

Terry was born in Utica, February 19, 1937, a daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Pedone) Cavaretta. She was raised and educated locally and a 1954 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Terry later attended Utica School of Beauty Culture. A beautician by trade, for many years, Terry worked at the Elite Beauty Salon and became the manager, and later, she opened her own salon at home, while raising her children. 

On July 20, 1957, Terry was joined in marriage to Karl K. Kingsley, with whom she shared over 42 loving years, until Karl’s unfortunate passing in 2000.  Terry began her career with Avon, in 1972, and flourished as a District Sales Manager, with lots of travel opportunities.

She also belonged to Home Bureau, where she enjoyed making all kinds of crafts. Terry especially enjoyed her lunches with the Proctor Girls and also appreciated her time spent with the “Red Hats”. She hosted weekly family dinners on “Wednesday night” for over four decades, where she made an abundance of food and made sure everyone had plenty to eat and plenty of leftovers. Everyone knew they were welcome to join.  She also enjoyed her summer camp at Trails End Campground, on Hinckley Lake, where she made countless friends throughout the years.

She is survived by her children, Karen and David White, Cindy Horton, Steve and Diana Kingsley, and Diane Kingsley; grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as “Bama”, Chad and Laura White, Heather and John Solazzo, Jason Horton, Danny and Emily White, Jessica Kingsley, Mikayla and Micheal Duley, Andrew Roach, and Stephanie Roach; great grandchildren, Parker, Owen, Izzy, Henry, Ian, and Matthias; sisters, Nancy Pilawa of Sacramento, CA, and Pat and Richard Mayberry of Ocala, FL; brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Shirley Cavaretta of Middleburg, FL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Maria Kingsley, Bruce Kingsley, Kevin Kingsley and Wanda Brittell; and also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Terry is predeceased by her husband, Karl Kingsley; her in-laws Hubert and Helen Kingsley, brothers-in-law, Matthew Pilawa, Larry Kingsley, and Malcom Kingsley; sister-in-law, Sherry Kingsley; and special aunt and close friend, Nina Buttiglieri.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, January, 10, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 Noon, at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica, NY. There will be a memorial service at the conclusion of calling hours.

In memory of Terry, please consider a donation to Feed Our Vets at FeedOurVets.org

Online memorials at Mattfuneralhome.com

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