Theresa C. Heroux

Whether you were one of her own children or the many other children who would flock to our home, you would hear “viens ici” (French word for come here), lovingly but firmly on a regular basis. Theresa was a positive role model for her children, friends, and family. You always knew where you stood with her as she spoke her mind and did not hesitate to tell you when you were right or wrong (in her opinion). We were taught early on, that daily chores could not be ignored, sharing was expected, being disrespectful to others would not be tolerated, having a cheerful outlook was essential and regardless of where a person came from, kindness was the only option. She actively participated in our lives and activities, like building tents in the family room, stages in the backyard for neighborhood theater productions, volunteering at the school clinic to be close to her kids, making sure we all knew how to swim, learning to sew to make our clothes, or just being in the audience at whatever we ventured into and there were lots of adventures.

Growing up for Theresa had been a struggle as her mother passed on when she was only five, but she was blessed with family who stepped in to help raise her and her twin sister, Ann. She was a fierce protector and there was never any doubt, no matter what, that we always had her support and love. She would always tell us “I love my kids I always have and always will.” When we finally left the nest, she shared her love for children by working at Carousel Kiddie Kingdom, even taking the time to get certified and obtain her commercial driver’s license to drive the bus for school pick up. She always wanted to learn something new and was never afraid to “go for it.”

In addition to being involved in her families lives, she continued her desire to make the world a better place by volunteering for various charities. As a survivor of breast cancer, participating in Relay for Life Cancer Walks was one of her passions. Sewing quilts was one of her favorite pastimes and grandchildren, who are now adults, still have their quilts presented at the time of their births. She was Volunteer of the Month numerous times as a member of the Women of the Moose Lodge 2199 in Cape Coral. Her nickname was “Saint Theresa” due to donated hours, crafts, singing in the choir, kitchen clean up, children’s programs, visiting those in nursing homes and supporting her husband, Henry in his leadership roles. She always had a smile and kind word to share. She thoroughly enjoyed attending Moose events, dining with friends, laughter, and always a special dance with Henry. If a polka tune was playing, Henry would be swiftly led to the floor.

Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on January 7, 1934, living a full life, after a long fight with Alzheimer’s and at the age of 87, Theresa walked through the gates of heaven on November 4, 2021. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 67 years, Henry, her three children, Victoria Danton (Larry), Lily Botelho (Jim), Alan Heroux (Maureen), grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Victoria Silva, her sister Ann Cumberland and other family members she loved and cherished.

She told us that when she passed away, she wanted people to celebrate her life by singing and dancing. So please celebrate her life by listening and dancing to your favorite music or participate in an activity she really enjoyed and say a prayer of thanksgiving for her life while taking a long walk, going for a swim, reading an enjoyable book, participating in a craft or art project, volunteering for a charity, or doing an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness.

Theresa lives on through the wonderful gifts she gave her family and friends, love, hope, strength, caring, giving, sympathy, empathy, kindness and many more. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the

Alzheimer's Association, Hope Hospice, or The Dubin Center (www.DubinCenter.com)