Theresa (Regis) Patistea of New Bedford, MA passed away on August 16, 2024, at the age of 93. Commonly known as Terry, she was born and raised in North Dartmouth, the daughter of the late Gioachino "Frank" and Mary E. Regis. Terry was married to her soul mate Arthur until his passing in 1988. Together they raised six children in New Bedford. She was predeceased by her long-term companion, Manuel Leite, her grandsons, Kevin Baptista, Jeffrey Patistea, and Lewis Sylvia, her daughter-in-law Florence Patistea, her brother, Peter Regis, her sister-in-law, Aphrodite "Pat" Nowjack, and her brothers-in-law, William Quinlan, James Patisteas, Albert Monteiro, and Al Nowjack.

Terry worked at Finest Liquors for many years when it was located on Kings Highway in New Bedford. She was a woman with a zest for life, who could light up a room with her perpetual smile and youthful disposition.  Along with her daughters, she permanently inked the Italian phrase "Fuoco nelle vene" (fire in the veins) on her skin; a statement of her determination to live her life to the fullest. Terry was a keen fashionista who loved to troll the area shops for the latest styles. She was always fashionably dressed when she went out and was certain to run into someone she knew. A kind, understanding matriarch, she was the pillar of her family who could count on her being there for them. She proudly lived independently in her home for many years. Her passing creates a chasm of grief, soothed by the knowledge that hers was a life well-lived.

Terry was an avid reader and former member of the Stetsonaires Choral Group.  She enjoyed her days spent at the Social Day Program in New Bedford with all of her friends.

She leaves behind her children, Michael Patistea (Linda), Stephen Patistea (Eileen), David Patistea, Cindy Patistea (Michael), Andrea Patisteas (Tony), and Niki Patistea; her grandchildren, Trevor, Stephen, Michael, Lisa, Alicia, Benjamin, Samuel, Mia and Liam; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, her sister, Nancy Quinlan, her sisters-in-law, Stella Monteiro, Elaine Patistea, and Cora Regis; and Joyce Patistea and Gabriel Pereira who were both near and dear to her; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday August 22 from 3-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford with a funeral service at 3:30 PM. Cremation will follow and private burial in Pine Grove Cemetery will take place at a later date.   For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Mia's Army" on behalf of the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation: Mia's Army - Boston Walk for Vision or checks can be sent to: The OIUF Foundation, 348 Glen Road, Weston, MA 02493.