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Theresa's obituary

Theresa Rose Brown (Gonsalves), 59, of West Wareham, Carver, and Fall River passed away far too soon on November 28th, 2023 surrounded by family.

Born in Middleborough, she was the loving eldest and only daughter of Steven and Sandra Sumner (Snell). Theresa was raised in Wareham and a proud graduate of Carver High School. Her accomplishments are uncountable, but she was particularly proud of her 30-year career as a supervisor in Medical Billing and Coding across Affiliated Professional Services and Harbor Medical Billing. You may remember her more for her work at Bay Pointe Country Club where she served up smiles, drinks, and laughs.

In her spare time, she enjoyed her bowling league, golfing with her friends and family, hosting lavish football Sundays, collecting tattoos, dancing to 90s music any and everywhere, and being the biggest Red Sox fan in the world. We can all hopefully forgive, and admire, her lifelong support of the Dallas Cowboys.

As her bible and Buddhist meditations taught her, Theresa was the most charitable, compassionate spirit. From teaching Sunday School at Saint Patrick’s Church, to supporting literacy initiatives, donating clothes, and feeding lonely animals, Theresa embodied a love for life that we hope to celebrate forever. Anyone that knew her always had a friend with an open heart ready to share the biggest hugs.

In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, practicing self-care with manicures and facials, swimming in any ocean (but especially Aruba), crocheting blankets for loved ones, making flower arrangements, and coloring. She wants all of you to stop making excuses and to travel the world, like she planned. She also requests that everyone slow-down and take it easy, especially in traffic going to Boston (“Really, how far’d ya get?!”)

Theresa was, above all else, the most loving mother to her surviving children: Kassandra Peterson of West Wareham and Paris France, Teresa Suffoletto (Brown) and son-in-law Nick Suffoletto of New Bedford, and Morgan Brown of Sandwich. Her grandson, Theo Suffoletto will miss his coloring buddy. She is also survived by her mother, Sandra Sumner of Carver, her 3 brothers that she loved with all her heart: Greg, David, and Scott Gonsalves of Wareham and Carver. Theresa’s memory also lives on with her cousins that were her sisters at heart: Leanne Leaman Wakefield Hunt, Anni Leaman-Jerome, Jeanne Leaman-Pozerski, Amy Bernardo, and Meghan Wilson. Her beloved nephew Zachary Gonsalves of Carver will always be her favorite golf partner. Lastly, Aunts Rosie Ann-Pilkington and Christine Kelley keep Theresa, and their cribbage games, in their hearts forever.

Theresa’s family invites all her friends and loved ones to funeral services held on Saturday December 16th at Rock Funeral Home in New Bedford from 10 am-1 pm. 

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Memories & condolences

Class of 1981 lives forverever, rest in peace. We will see y’all soon. 
Class of 1981 lives forverever, rest in peace. We will see y’all soon. 
Class of 1981 lives forverever, rest in peace. We will see y’all…
I’m so sad. Theresa and I reconnected since our 40th high school reunion. She was such a lovely person, a wonderful smi…
I’m so sad. Theresa and I reconnected since our 40th high school reunion. She was such a lovely per…
I’m so sad. Theresa and I reconnected since our 40th high school…

Theresa - losing a friend like you is devastating. We've been friends for such a long time. Football Sundays, and Super…

Theresa - losing a friend like you is devastating. We've been friends for such a long time. Footbal…

Theresa - losing a friend like you is devastating. We've been fr…

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Theresa "Terri" Brown