Therese Croteau 95, of Newport, died peacefully on February 22, 2026 at Saint Clare Home in Newport. Born on June 14, 1930 to Daniel A. Sullivan and Margaret (Shea) Sullivan of Newport, she was predeceased by her husband of 19 years, John N. Croteau of Providence. She also was predeceased by her brothers, Vincent Sullivan, Br. Kennth Sullivan, Dr. Daniel J. Sullivan, and step-daughter, Suzanne (Croteau) Hunt. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Carolyn A. Sullivan and step-son, John N. Croteau, Jr. She was a wonderful Aunt who enjoyed the many activities of her twenty nieces and grand-nieces, and nephews and grand-nephews.
Therese was a true Newporter living in the Fifth Ward and graduating from Saint Augustine’s Grade School (1944), Saint Catherine’s Academy (1948), and Salve Regina University (1952).
Therese was Personnel Director for the City of Newport for thirty years serving from 1960 to1990, where she showed an uncanny ability to produce and organize hundreds of city employee records using only a typewriter, paper folders, and exquisite cursive writing. Later in her career, she worked on negotiations with the city unions, always looking to reach a fair deal for everyone.
Therese was proud of her Irish heritage. She was Past President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and showed a wonderful blend of Irish stoicism, humor, and care for others. She was a daily caregiver to her mother and showed tremendous love for her three brothers and their families. And, naturally, she had the gift of Irish storytelling with tales of Aquidneck Bowling Lanes, Hazard’s Beach, City Hall, Road Trips, Hurricanes, and one final Blizzard.
Therese was dedicated to her Catholic faith, a parishioner of Saint Augustine’s Church, and member of Catholic Daughters of America. Following her devotion to Saint Therese of Lisieux, she was always present in the moment and helped many others in the “little ways.” In that spirit, we want to thank her for showing us these ways.
Her funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 9:00 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Augustin Church, Carroll Avenue, Newport. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA 30094.
Online tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com
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