Terezinha Jesus (Valente) Quintanilha

East Providence - Terezinha J. (Valente) Quintanilha, affectionately known as Teresa, passed away peacefully at her home in East Providence on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on August 26, 1930, in the picturesque town of Vila Franca do Campo, Sao Miguel, Azores, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Deolinda (Cadete) Valente. Teresa was the beloved wife of the late Abel Quintanilha, with whom she shared a deep and enduring love.

Teresa's life was a testament to her strength, kindness, and unwavering faith. She was a devoted mother to her children: Jorge Quintanilha and his fiancé Vera Soares, Dino Quintanilha and his wife Gail, David Quintanilha and his fiancé Edyth Perry, Terezinha Bento and her late husband Gilberto, Olalia Cabral and her husband Tony, Ana Luis and her husband Jose, Odete Lima and her husband Joe, and Connie Medeiros and fiancé Joseph Perry III, all of whom she raised with love and dedication. She was also a cherished sister to Beatriz Martins, Carminha Valente, and predeceased by her siblings Manuel, Joao, Jose, Erneste, Antonio Valente, and Mariazinha Valente.

Teresa's legacy extends to her adoring grandchildren, of whom she had fifteen, and her precious great-grandchildren, numbering five. She was predeceased by her beloved grandson, Luis Bento. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

For over 15 years, Teresa worked diligently as a machine operator, dedicating her skills to Leviton Manufacturing and previously to the Melina Company. Her strong work ethic was only surpassed by her commitment to her family, especially during the ten years she lovingly cared for her bedridden husband.

Teresa lived in East Providence for more than half a century after emigrating from Portugal, creating lasting memories and forming a tight-knit community. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church, where her faith was an integral part of her daily life. Her religious devotion was a source of comfort and strength, not only to her but to all who knew her.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Teresa will remember her as a loving, kind, and faith-filled woman. Her unwavering devotion to her husband, her dedication to her children and grandchildren, and her commitment to her faith and community were the hallmarks of her life. She also enjoyed travelling, with her family when she was able to do so.

Teresa's memory will be cherished and kept alive by the many lives she touched with her generous spirit and compassionate heart. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will continue to inspire her family and all who knew her. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the warmth of her love will continue to embrace us all.

As we say farewell to Terezinha J. (Valente) Quintanilha, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and grace, a life that will forever be etched in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her in return. May she rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love of God and the warm memories of those she leaves behind.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:00am in St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence, RI. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.      Burial will be private. Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.

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