Theresa Joan Ferreira passed away at the age of 88 in Mesa, Arizona on September 10, 2026. She is survived by her children: Regina Santos (Euclides), Susan Ferreira, Antonio Ferreira (Cheryl), Theresa Gipson (Michael), Olinda Massey (Raymond), Jack Ferreira, and thirteen grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Antonio (Tony) Bernardo Ferreira, parents Anthony and Laura Elefante, and sister Angelina (Angie) Reilly.
Theresa Joan Elefante was born in Manhattan, New York April 28, 1938. She grew up in Brooklyn with her parents and sister Angie. After high school she became a bookkeeper and worked for a local bank. She met and married her husband in New York City where they started their family. They later moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1975. She dedicated much of her life to caring for her family at home, while also working many of those years at her children's local schools and later at Motorola. She enjoyed cooking, especially Italian food such as lasagna and other dishes her family loved. Theresa’s hobbies included painting ceramics, collecting decorative figurines, growing plants, and visiting estate and yard sales with her husband. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Theresa was heartbroken when her beloved husband of 59 years passed in 2021.
She will be mourned and deeply missed by those that loved her. She is resting now and at peace. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Mariposa Garden; 400 S. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85206, Palo Verde room, from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. A Funeral Mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church; 1534 N. Recker Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205 at 10 am on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Theresa will be laid to rest on September 30, 2026 at 11:30 am at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery; 1562 E. Baseline Rd. Mesa, AZ 85204.
