WEBSTER - Theresa M. (Falso) Lada, 96, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Born on August 15, 1928, she was the daughter of Vincent and Rose Mary (Cannalonga) Falso and was a life-long resident of Webster. She is believed to have been the last surviving citizen of the town to have attended the Little Red Schoolhouse on School Street. She was a graduate of Bartlett High School, Class of 1946.
Of the many things Theresa will be fondly remembered for, chief among them will be the Friday family gathering she and her husband hosted at their house on Day’s Lane. On her way home from work, Theresa would stop at Park ‘N Shop for a few items for that evening’s supper, and then, upon arriving home, and without missing a beat, would begin preparing a classic Italian meal for anywhere up to a dozen or more relatives and friends, for whom these Friday night meetings became the best possible way to begin a weekend. A list of those in attendance on a routine basis would clearly show that both sides of the family, hers and Tony’s, were welcome. The food was always superb and the conversation lively. Music was a key feature as well.
In fact, music was never far from being heard in the Lada household: husband Tony played the trumpet and the vibraphone, and each of the four children played at least one instrument: Tony (trombone), Lois (piano and flute), Robert (piano) and David (upright bass and electric bass). In all, a happy household.
Theresa and her husband worked hard to ensure that all four children graduated from college. Tony worked at American Optical in Southbridge, and on many a Saturday night could be found playing in Ray Stone’s Orchestra at the State Line in Dudley. Theresa worked for many years as a waitress at Snug Harbor, and, after that restaurant fell victim to the building of Interstate 395, went to work in the office at Mammoth, a big-box discount store in Dudley. When Mammoth folded and was replaced by King’s, Theresa was asked by the new management to stay on, where she continued to handle cash receivables and perform other financial duties. Again, when King’s gave way to Mars, Theresa’s trustworthiness led this new management team to urge her to stay on. She did so, retiring in 1990. In 1991, she moved from the old homestead at Day’s Lane to a condo at Treasure Island, an original resident of that then-brand-new complex.
Theresa leaves behind her children, Anthony Lada, Lois Foley (husband James), and David Lada (wife Michele); her grandchildren, Agostino “Gus” Lada, Colette Loux (husband Joseph), James Foley (wife Jessica), Brian Lada, and Cameron Lada; her two great-grandchildren, Olivia Loux and Evelyn Loux; her sisters, Marion Antkowiak and Pauline Aucoin; her nieces, Marilyn O’Connor and Ann Lada, and many other nieces and nephews; and her daughter-in-law Nadine Lada. Theresa was predeceased by her husband Anthony Lada, her son Robert Lada, her brother Joseph Falso, and her sisters Nancy Streich and Isabel Spreadbury.
Theresa enjoyed a long life and the company of devoted relatives and friends. She especially looked forward to Bette LaHair’s regular visits to assist her in housecleaning chores—visits which, over the years, became welcome social occasions as well, and opportunities for them to celebrate each other’s birthdays and other holidays. For nearly thirty years, Danny Donovan never failed to answer an “emergency” need for his services as an expert handyman. When it became too difficult for Theresa to get to Worcester in person for her hairdresser appointments, her long-time hairdresser Frankie Conte offered to come to her, and made several trips to Webster to do her hair. Janie Kilian Pultorak, a loyal high-school friend of Theresa’s late son Robert, drove in periodically from her home in Falmouth for an always welcome visit with Theresa. Among the Treasure Island neighbors of long standing, many were very kind to Theresa over the years, especially John and Jackie Sawyer, and Paul and Joanie Delaronde.
Throughout her life, and especially well into her advanced years, Theresa’s quality of life was greatly enhanced by the expert medical attention she received, thanks largely to the watchful care of Dr. Howard Sachs of UMASS Medical. Others whose assistance proved invaluable were the Tri-Valley nurses and home health aides, and those from Care Central VNA. The home health aides were a special blessing—Linda, Jen, Michelle and particularly Betty Banasik, who willingly took on extra hours to keep Theresa safe and comfortable. Karine and her team offered bi-weekly messages of cheerful encouragement.
After she retired, Theresa was able to devote more time to sewing, knitting, and especially quilting. Several family members and friends have been the happy recipients of her handiwork.
Theresa was an avid Boston Celtics fan, from the Paul Pierce era to the present Jayson Tatum era. She remained alert and aware enough to watch the entire regular season of this year’s team, including the very last game.
Theresa was a communicant at St. Louis Church in Webster, and continued to watch Masses online when she was no longer able to attend in person. She found comfort in visits from Father Javier and in receiving communion regularly from Cathy Andrade.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 7, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Louis Church, 14 Lake Street. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Dudley. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so are asked to offer a donation in Theresa’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org).