Theodora Ann Spadacino
Berlin
Theodora “Teddy” Ann Spadacino, age 91, passed away on February 11, 2026, in Berlin, Maryland. She was born on November 1, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Leonard S. Ruggiero and Ann (Civitate) Ruggiero.
Theodora “Teddy” graduated High School from St. Francis Academy in 1952 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From there, she attended college at The University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She got her teaching degree and became a Catholic Grade School teacher. Teddy moved to the Washington DC metropolitan area in the early 60’s. Her first teaching job was at St. Jane Frances DeChantal Catholic School in Bethesda, MD. The first class she taught there, she taught 63 students. Teddy also taught at other Catholic schools around the Montgomery County area. She taught at St. Elizabeths in Rockville, Our Lady of Mercy in Potomac and Holy Redeemer in Kensington MD. Teddy was dedicated and devoted to her teaching career. She loved teaching. Teddy met her husband Paul in the 60’s through a mutual teaching friend. They got married on October 22, 1966. Both Teddy and Paul were very involved in their careers. They had 1 daughter Ann Michelle who was born on January 22, 1973. Teddy and her family lived in Rockville MD and then later moved to Bethesda. In 1996, Teddy and Paul moved to Ocean City, MD. Teddy had 3 grandchildren (Paul, Christian, and Faith) whom she lived with in her final years. They were her pride and joy. Teddy loved children. Teddy loved her family and friends. She loved to entertain and was always “The hostess with the mostess.” She had a “Million Dollar Smile.” Teddy loved her tea and her favorite cookie (Biscotti). She also loved her doggies and kitties. Teddy also loved Culture and Arts. She loved going to the Kennedy Center to listen to The National Symphony. Teddy loved to travel. She would often talk about how she went to Italy 3 times and got her rosary blessed by 3 Popes. Even though Teddy was from Pittsburgh, she became a fan of The Washington Redskins (Commanders) because of her husband Paul. Teddy enjoyed going to the games at RFK through the years and even went to a Super Bowl in 1984. One of the final blessings she left behind was a beautiful home for her family. Christian, her grandson would often refer to her as” 24karat Grandma.” Teddy’s favorite saying is “Make your own Sunshine.” Teddy was a DEVOUT CATHOLIC and loved to pray the rosary. She practiced her Faith every day. Teddy will be forever in our hearts.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul J. Spadacino.
She is survived by her daughter – Ann Michelle Spadacino; son-in-law – Munther S. Haddad; goddaughter – Jennifer Sanders; and her grandchildren – Paul A. Haddad, Christian S. Haddad, and Faith N. Haddad.
A viewing and rosary service will be held at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland on Monday February 16, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm. Later in the week, a Mass will be held at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church in Bethesda, Maryland on Thursday February 19, 2026, at 10am. Following the mass, there will be a procession to her burial site at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland to take place at 1:30pm. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home – Berlin.