Theresa Tufts

Theresa "Tessie" Dundon Tufts passed away on Monday, September 10, 2018 at St. Vincent's Hospital. Born August 28, 1933 she was the loving daughter of John and Mary (Rounds) Dundon. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Mary Lou Cronin, as well as sisters Clara Rehberg and Marie Ponzy and brothers, Elwin and Edward Hodges.

Tessie is survived by her devoted husband Herbert F. Tufts who she married on September 15, 1951. Tessie and Herbie's 67 years of marriage has been a true inspiration of love to all.

Tessie attended Strong Vincent High School and graduated in the class of 1951. She participated in sports and was leader of the majorette corps.

"If there was laughter, there was Tessie". She was a professional entertainer from a young age. She won many talent competitions doing comedy acts and performed on stages from Erie to New York City where she auditioned for The Ted Mack Amateur Hour as a teenager. She was featured in Life Magazine. But it was radio that would be her calling.

Ron Seggi, the CEO & President of Worldwide Broadcasting Inc., and close friend, called Tessie the "First Lady of Erie Broadcasting." She worked as a copy writer at WSEE TV then joined WJET Radio as a Continuity Director throughout the 1960s and 70s. It was at JET where her talents grew, as did the relationships with her co-workers who she cherished throughout her life. She would go on to work at WLKK/ WLVU Radio and then become a driving energy at WSEG Radio from 1980 through 1986. Tessie and her friend, Rich Peterson, then wrote, produced and performed The Pops Show, a children's show on Cable TV where she had the time of her life.   

But Tessie's most important role was that of a loving mother.

She is survived by her son Jack (Kathi) Tufts and her daughter Sue (Jeff) DeSantis, both of Erie. Her niece, Peggy Cronin Johnson (Cris Taylor), who she helped to raise from an early age after the death of her sister Mary Lou. Her three beautiful granddaughters, Katy Tufts, Lindsay and Abby DeSantis. Her loving great-nieces, Mikki (DJ) Peters and Ali (Nathan) Helgert. Tessie is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins who she treasured.

Tessie's sense of humor, her inter strength, and her faith in God helped her greatly throughout the months during her illness. The family thanks the wonderful Doctors and Nurses at St. Vincent's Hospital, especially those in the ICU for their expertise and their caring hearts.

Friends may call on Friday September 14 at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26^th Street (at Powell Ave.)  from 3:00 to 6:00pm.  The service and burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery are private.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Upper Room of Erie, 1024 Peach Street, Erie, Pa. 16501 or Because You Care, 6041 West Road, McKean, Pa. 16426.