Theresa Ann (Suffoletta) Grande

Theresa Ann Grande ​(Suffoletta), 60, of Warwick, RI, passed away on March 15, 2018, after a 5-month battle with an aggressive cancer.

Theresa (Terri) was married to the late Gennaro (Jerry) Grande of Warwick, RI.  Terri is survived by her daughter Kristina Grande of Warwick, RI; son Paul Grande and daughter-in-law Zuzanna (Lukicz) Grande of Long Beach, California; grandson Zachariah Grande of Warwick, RI; sister Mary Suffoletta and brother-in-law Patrick Burns of Washington, DC; and nephew Nino Suffoletta of Washington, DC.

Terri, the daughter of the late Sebastiano and Jessie (Bonelli) Suffoletta, spent her early years in Providence, RI, and graduated from Classical High School in 1975. Terri also graduated from Providence College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She met the love of her life, Jerry, just prior to entering college and they married after her college graduation.  Terri shared a married life with Jerry for 30 years, before he too was taken away too soon by cancer.  They saw both of their children grow to adulthood and start their own paths in life.

Terri worked as an employee of the RI State Government for over 30 years before retiring in December 2017.  She worked both in behavioral and occupational specialties, and the later part of her career was spent as a social worker for the Department of Children, Youth and Families—a job she was inspired to do.  Terri was a true champion for those who needed help and could not help themselves.

Terri was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies—serving as the Rebekah Assembly President of Rhode Island during 2003 to 2004. Her last office held was as Noble Grand of Rebekah Lodge in Bristol, RI.

Terri loved spending time with family and friends; she was an avid swimmer, loved to bowl, and enjoyed playing cards and games.  She particularly loved to travel, and was fortunate to have taken many wonderful trips together with her family and friends.  Terri frequented her timeshares often in Newport and Cape Cod.  She expressed feeling a “wave of peace” pass over her whenever she approached the Jamestown Bridge heading to Newport, RI.  Terri and Jerry were both die-hard Providence College basketball fans and eagerly awaited basketball season every year.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Home Service on Saturday at 10 am in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave., Cranston, followed by burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston.  Visiting hours are Saturday morning from 9am to 10am.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Foster Forward https://www.fosterforward.net/support/give 55 South Brow Street - East Providence, RI 02914. Visit NardolilloFH.com for online condolences.