Therese R. (Decelles) Eldredge

Therese R. (Decelles) Eldredge, 87, of Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, died Feb. 14, 2024, with her husband at her side.

Born in Central Falls, RI, Therese was the daughter of the late Ubald and Estelle (Labeige) Decelles.

Therese was the wife of Lewis C. Eldredge Jr., for 53 beautiful years. She was a Sister of the Holy Union of the Sacred Heart for twelve years and graduated from Catholic Teachers College.  She received her Master’s Degree in education from RI College. Therese was an elementary school teacher for twelve years in private schools in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and 28 years in public education at Garden City School in Cranston, RI.

Therese was a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Cranston for 33 years. She directed the church choir, was coordinator of the Renew Program in the 1980’s and a participant in various music ministries.

Upon retirement, Therese did volunteer work with the Catholic Chaplaincy Office of Pastoral Ministry at Eleanor Slater Hospital and Zambarano Hospital in Pascoag, RI.

In 2005, Therese, a vocalist and guitarist, and her husband were the musical duo “The Young at Heart” who performed throughout the state of RI for twelve years. Therese in later years formed the Shawl Ministry Group in her parish “The Immaculate Conception” and enjoyed crocheting baptismal blankets for families in preparation for the christening ceremony. She was an avid music lover, dedicated Red Sox fan, and golfer. She and her dear husband enjoyed extensive traveling and vacationing each summer in New Hampshire.

Therese was the sister of the late Eveline M. Decelles and Michael R. Decelles (USN).

Besides her husband she leaves her stepchildren, Lewis C. (Nancy) Eldredge III, Michael B. (Sara) Eldredge (USA, ret.), Susan K. (Kenneth) LaRose and David B. (Jackie) Eldredge. She was the step grandmother of 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She was the loving Godmother of Doreen M. Deignan.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 2pm until 4pm in the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. Her funeral will begin at 8:45am Monday, Feb. 19, from the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, with a Eulogy at 9:45am in Immaculate Conception Church, Cranston, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to the Immaculate Conception School, 235 Garden Hills Dr., Cranston, RI 02920.

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