Theresa A. (Laranjo) Lacerda, 89, of Middletown, Rhode Island, died peacefully at home on May 23, 2026. She was the wife of the late Anthony J. Lacerda.
Born in Newport on July 20, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Jose and Maria (Medeiros) Laranjo. Theresa started her career at Walsh Brothers in Newport, Rhode Island and continued to HUD, managing the Festival Field property. She supported her local community, dedicating countless hours volunteering at the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island, the Newport County YMCA, the Preservation Society of Newport County, the Newport Hospital Gift Shop, and the Middletown Senior Center. Above all, Theresa was a caregiver. She carried this core belief in everything she did. Theresa was a steadfast, selfless companion and caretaker to so many in her large circle of family and friends. She was a faithful member of St. Lucy’s Church.
Theresa is survived by two sons, Anthony John Lacerda, Jr. and David Lacerda, both of Portsmouth, and a daughter Terry Lyn Traibman of Middletown, her grandchildren Heather, Nicole, Corey and Christopher, and six great grandchildren. She also leaves two sisters, Rose Northup of Newport and Ann Zerbus of Middletown.
Theresa is predeceased in death by her husband of 37 years, Anthony J. Lacerda, a daughter MaryEllen Lacerda, a grandson Nathan Traibman, two sisters, Mary Williams and Helen Souza and a brother Charlie Laranjo.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, Rhode Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM in St. Lucy’s Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island. Burial will follow at St. Columbia Cemetery.
Donations in Theresa’s memory may be made to Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice or the National Kidney Foundation.
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