The Life of Teresa Dos Santos Goncalves

Teresa Dos Santos Goncalves was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away on April 13, 2023, at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Teresa was born on October 27, 1948, to Antonio and Virginia Parreira in Braganca, Portugal. She was raised by her aunt Amelia "Mae" after her birth mother succumbed to an unexpected illness when Teresa was just a baby.
In 1968, Teresa met the love of her life, Antonio Goncalves. She would go on to tell her girlfriends, "I'm going to marry that handsome man." On Dec. 8, 1968, she did just that and five years later, Teresa came to the U.S. with her beloved husband and daughters to start a new life. For the next 50 years she devoted herself to her family and raising her three children, her life's most important work.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Teresa. She loved cooking for her family and friends and made the best homemade French fries. When she was not cooking for her family, she was feeding the neighborhood stray cats. Her love of animals, including her dear Sandy, Cali, Mr. Whiskers, and Maddy, was second only to her family. An avid UConn Huskies basketball fan, she rarely missed a men's or women's game, and was often heard coaching the players from her sofa chair. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily word search and jigsaw puzzles. Her sweet personality was contagious to everyone she met and although she hated to have her picture taken, she was often told she had the prettiest smile.
Teresa was predeceased by her loving husband Antonio Goncalves, younger brother Jose Parreira, sister-in-law Priscila Goncalves, brother-in-law John Goncalves, and nephews Stephen Garcia and Eric Goncalves.
She is survived by her loving children, Paula Goncalves, Cristina Wood, and Anthony Goncalves Jr. Her brother Fernando Parreira. Her sisters-in-law Maria Rodi, Carmelina Goncalves, Laurie Goncalves and Michelle Goncalves. Her brother-in-law Fernando Goncalves. Her son-in-law Michael Wood and daughter-in-law Danielle Goncalves. Her granddaughters Alana Wood, Hunter Wood, Olivia Goncalves and Sabrina Proto. Her nieces and nephews Jessica Rodi, Jennifer Rodi, John Michael Goncalves, Jerry Goncalves and Brandon Goncalves.
To honor Teresa's life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann's Church, 481 Brewster St., in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, CT on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Directly. Followed by a burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Humane Society and ASPCA to help support her furry friends. Arrangements entrusted to the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home, 559 Washington Ave., Bridgeport. To sign an online guest book or to send private condolences please visit www.parentelauro.com