Teresa Marchio Chess, 92, of Ventura, Calif., formerly of Waynesburg, died Monday, September 14, 1998, in California, following a brief illness. She had a talent for flower arranging, and as a teen-ager she went to work for Hill's Florist in Waynesburg. When the shop was purchased by William Warrick of Washington and renamed Waynesburg Floral, she became the first manager. Several years later, Mrs. Chess and her husband opened Chess Florist in Waynesburg, which they operated until moving to Downers Grove, Ill. She married Richard Benjamin Chess Sr. in Waynesburg, where their three sons were born. The family also lived in Downers Grove and Medford, Mass., prior to moving to Arcadia, Calif., in 1959. Mrs. Chess had lived in Ventura since 1982, when her husband died. She enjoyed her family, her church and working with flowers. Surviving are three sons, Richard B. Chess Jr. of Ventura, Dr. J. Thomas Chess of South Pasadena, Calif., and Dr. H. Ronald Chess of Encino, Calif.; two sisters, Grace Marchio of Waynesburg and Betty Connor of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Deceased are three sisters, Rafalena Marchio, Nettie Cesarone and Mary Booth; and a brother, Al Marchio. There will be a private family memorial service in Ventura and later graveside services in Waynesburg, where the ashes of her and her husband will be interred. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Friday, September 18, 1998Teresa Marchio Chess
Formerly owned and operated Chess Florist
Mrs. Chess, the second of seven children, was born September 24, 1906, in Waynesburg, a daughter of Joseph and Rose Caliguiri Marchio.