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Theresa Eva Thomas of Westbrook passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 9 surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard A. Thomas. Theresa was born in Brooklyn, New York on Nov. 8, 1936, the daughter of Joseph Neri and Anna (Giarelli) Neri. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she lived her life for her family.

She began her career as a hairdresser and later became a real estate agent and was proud to serve as the president of the Connecticut Lower Valley Realtors Association. She was also very active in her town; she was a member of the Westbrook Board of Assessment Appeals; an active member of St. Mark’s church; a Junior Girl Scout Leader; and she supported many charities throughout her life. Her life’s joy was her time with her family, whether it was vacationing in her cottage in Maine; holiday crafting with her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren; traveling with her sisters and brothers and in-laws; or dancing the night away at a family party. She was always the optimist, the caregiver, and the heart of our family. Her daughters would like to express their gratitude to her grandchildren and her nieces who were an essential part of her caregiving and exceptional care during the last years of her life.

Theresa is survived by her daughters Donna Leidt and husband James, Theresa Clark and husband David, and Michele D’Amico and husband Clifford, all of Westbrook; her grandchildren whom she adored, Dawne Morrell, John Crolly, Kevin Crolly, Michael Fosque and Brittany, Patrick Fosque and Shelby, Michele Allen and Tyler, Laura D’Amico, Kathryn D’Amico, Kinne and Daniel, Christina D’Amico, and Daniel D’Amico; and great-grandchildren, Jada, Ryan, Ajaya, Trinity, Hailey, Madison, Riley, Macey, Kyle, Carter, and Leah. She is also survived by her siblings Rosanna Casula, John Neri and Diane, Glenn Neri and Maureen, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her siblings Joseph Neri, Josephine Chandler, Seldon Neri, Carl Neri, and Alan Neri, and her goddaughter Kimberly Neri Simoncini.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Aug. 17 in St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 222 McVeagh Rd., Westbrook. Burial followed in Resurrection Cemetery, 1080 Horse Hill Rd., Westbrook. There were no calling hours. In lieu of flowers her family asks that you consider a donation in her name to The Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org) or Middlesex Health Hospice Program.