Teresa M. Regis Gongola

Teresa (Regis) Gongola passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 15, 2012, after an extended illness that never robbed her of her spirit, grace or sense of humor. She was the widow of Henry Gongola, with whom she shared the joys and challenges of a 47-year marriage.

Born in New Bedford on Oct. 2, 1921, to the late Francesco Regis and Felicita (Capra) Regis, she was educated in the New Bedford public schools and was a June graduate of New Bedford High School, class of 1939. She worked as an office clerk at Continental Screw Company from 1941-1961 and as a librarian for the City of New Bedford from 1967-1984.

She enjoyed escaping into the pages of a good novel, serving up a pot of risotto like no other, surrounding herself with family, traveling near and far, and watching her Celtics over a dish of coffee ice cream.

Teresa is survived by two sons, Marc Gongola, and his wife, Rosanne, of New Bedford, and Eric Gongola of Mattapoisett; two grandsons, Matthew Gongola of Martha’s Vineyard and Jacob Gongola of New Bedford; a brother, Lawrence Regis, and his wife, Diane, of Falmouth; her former daughter-in-law, Karen S. Johnson; her dear friend, Madeline Whitworth; and many nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Margherita Sala and sister-in-law of the late Robert D. Sala.

A special thanks to the kind staff of Alden Court and Beacon Hospice who helped make her final days as comfortable as possible.

Teresa’s funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 247 North St., New Bedford. Visiting hours 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Burial private.