Theresa S. (Ottavianelli) Leary, 87, of Fairhaven died Friday, September 16, 2022 at St. Anne's Hospital after a brief illness. She was the wife of Edward F. Leary, Jr. for nearly 67 years.
Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Francesco and Sabina (Cesolini) Ottavianelli. Theresa lived in Dartmouth for 35 years and in Fairhaven for 27 years. She also spent winters in Venice, Florida for 30 years.
Theresa was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in New Bedford, a member of the St. Francis Women's League, past president of the New Bedford Jayce-ettes, a Zeiterion volunteer for 27 years, and a Market Ministry volunteer.
Theresa enjoyed playing golf, winters in Florida and most of all spending time with her precious grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Edward, Theresa is also survived by her son Timothy Leary, and his wife Karen, of Dartmouth; her daughter Kristine Rowland, and her husband Randy Bringman of Hickory, North Carolina; her grandchildren, Luke and Jacob Rowland and Kathryn Leary; sister Mary Kane and sister-in-law, Jeannine Ottavianelli, both of New Bedford; and several nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Frank Ottavianelli and Anna Ottavianelli.
In accordance with her wishes, visiting hours are omitted and a private Funeral Mass will be held for family at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.