Theresa S. (Di Blasio) Ferrara

Theresa “Terry” (Di Blasio) Ferrara, 95, formerly of Wilmington, Portsmouth and Newburyport left for heaven peacefully on July 16, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Boston on March 30, 1922 and was the daughter of Leone and Vincenzina Di Blasio. She was the devoted sister to her late siblings, Orlando Di Blasio, Albert Di Blasio and sister- in- law, Margie, Irene Iannello and brother-in-law John, Eva Hamilton and brother-in-law, Arthur, Gloria Foti and brother-in-law Nick, Elsie Quaratiello and brother-in-law, Pat and Romeo Di Blasio and sister-in-law Betty.

When she was seventeen, she traveled from Boston to New London, Connecticut to work in her aunt’s restaurant called the Tea Room as a lead hostess. When she returned to Boston, she worked for Cable Raincoat Company where they made coats for the military during WWII. She would often urge her coworkers to write notes of encouragement to the troops and slip them in the pockets of the coats in order to bring cheer to those who wore them.  In 1946, she met the love of her life, Fred Ferrara. They began their life together in Wilmington and raised their only child, Maria. Theresa was a member of the Maria Montessori Lodge of Belmont and a member of the lodge’s bowling team. She was also active in the Wilmington PTA. In 1972, they moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and became involved in the Sons of Italy Lodge where her husband was a founding member. Together they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage until his death in 1993.

Theresa was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand to others. She loved to cook, entertain, wear the latest fashions and keep in touch with family and friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her two grandsons.   

She is survived by her daughter Maria Ferrandini and her husband John of Newburyport with whom she made her home. She also leaves her cherished grandsons, Jay Ferrandini and his girlfriend, Amy Janeliunas of Haverhill and grandson Mark Ferrandini and his spouse, Ben Harman of Danvers. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and dear friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Her family would like to thank Christine Hatch, NP and Dr. Navarra at Seacoast Medical for the excellent health care they provided over the years and also thank Dr. Susan Newhouse, Dr. Wen and Dr. LaSpina. In addition, her family would also like to thank the exceptional staff at Wingate of Haverhill and Merrimack Valley Hospice for the care she received during the last month.

Family and friends may call on Friday July 21, 2017 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Church in Newburyport, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery in Portsmouth, NH. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mrs. Ferrara’s name to, Mass General Cancer Center, Danvers, at MGH Development Office 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600 Boston, MA 02114, or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, or National MS Society P.O. Box 4527 New York, NY 10163.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theresa S. (Di Blasio) Ferrara, please visit our floral store.