Theresa "Terry" Cannova

Theresa "Terry" Cannova, 94, of Morristown, NJ, peacefully completed her well-lived life on July 4, 2026. Born on St. Patrick’s Day and passing on the Fourth of July, Terry clearly loved the holidays and made sure she went out with a bang!

Raised in East Orange, Terry started a family in Nutley with her husband, Joe. They eventually headed down the shore to Toms River, where Terry, in addition to raising her family, worked as a banker, casino cashier, and a realtor.

Later in life, she moved to Morristown to live with her daughter and son-in-law, where she took on the important role of chief helper in raising the three Fitzpatrick grandkids. Terry was the ultimate neighborhood grandmother, babysitting countless children who knew her affectionately as "Grandma Terry". She also worked weekends at the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth Convent for 25 years.

She is now reunited in heaven with her parents, Angie and Arthur Scavone; her husband, Joe Cannova; her brother, Arthur Scavone; her grandson, Joey Cannova; and her sister, Marie Roberto. In keeping her joyful spirit alive, she is survived by her children: Joseph (Carolyn) Cannova, John Cannova, Judi (Thomas) Fitzpatrick, and Jean (Patrick) Bystryzcki. She also leaves behind an impressive legacy of grandchildren: Patrick (Lisa) Bystryzcki, Jazmine Bystryzcki, Cheyenne (Phil) Lombardozzi, Michael (Lyndsay) Cannova, Jeff Cannova, TJ (Katie) Fitzpatrick, Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Connor (Daisy) Fitzpatrick, Danielle Cannova, Jessica Cannova and Ciara (Andres) Santos, along with 6 great-grandchildren and one more arriving this September.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Terry's wonderful life at a funeral mass at St. Virgil’s Church in Morris Plains on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:00 am. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Ocean County Memorial Park in Toms River, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Terry's lifelong spirit of giving back, donations can be made to:

• The Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth
• The Market Street Mission