Theresa D. (Amaral) Martin, 81, beloved wife of William O. Martin who predeceased her in 1994, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Linda Manor in Leeds, with her loving family at her side.
Theresa was born on April 10, 1943, in New Bedford, MA, a daughter of William and Maria C. (Mathias) Amaral, she was raised and educated in New Bedford before moving to Western Mass in 1984.
Theresa was a former longtime employee at Kresge’s Department Store in New Bedford before becoming known as Kmart. While at Kresge’s, she started by working at the lunch counter and eventually with seniority she was promoted to the floor.
In Springfield, she began working with the Hampden County, CCF, as a homecare provider for over 35 years.
Theresa was an avid reader and belonged to a book club in Springfield.
Later in life, she took art courses at the Creative Art Center and became very efficient with colored pencils.
For relaxation, Theresa enjoyed watching many classic television shows like the Andy Griffith Show.
She leaves behind her two loving daughters, Debra A. Dunphy and her husband, John A. of Northampton and Dawn E. Lyonnais and her husband, Garry L. of Ludlow, sister, Kathleen Aranjo of New Bedford, five cherished grandchildren, Jessica Wenzel and her husband, Timothy, Kyle Barboza, Marissa Pereira and her husband, Tyler, and Kellie and Megan Lyonnais, four great grandchildren, Lorelie, Ainsley, Noah, and Sophia, and loving first cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her brother, Gilbert Amaral formerly of Dartmouth.
Theresa’s family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at Linda Manor for their warm and compassionate care given to Theresa.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, December 7, for a period of visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton Street, Holyoke, followed by a service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial for Theresa will be held at a later date in Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-7633. For more information and online condolences please visit
www.messierfuneralhome.com