Theresa Clementina Afonso Mello, 99, wife of the late Acacio Da Costa Mello, passed away peacefully with family by her side. She was born on March 15, 1918 in Kingsburg California, the daughter of the late Maria (Severino) and Antonio Afonso. She predeceased her brother Eugenio Afonso of California. At the age of 6, Theresa moved to Portugal but returned back to her "homeland" at age 38. Theresa was an avid knitter, dressmaker and baker. She made hats for the shelters and blessed many with her gifts of afghans, bedspreads, sweaters and crochet table cloths. Besides this amazing talent with knitting she had an amazing flower garden. Theresa was a supportive and devoted wife and mother to three and their spouses; Ary Sr, wife Fernanda, Acacio Jr, wife Teresa (Terry), and daughter Maria (Nela), her husband Paul Ouellette. She leaves behind her Nieces Josephina Graca of Portugal, MaryJo, Ilse and Nephew Gene Afonso Jr. of California, six grandchildren and spouses; Susan & Timothy Marsh, Ary Jr & Sandy Mello, Dennis & Rachel Mello, Diane Mello, Lisa & Brian Brockel, Theresa & Eduardo Agosto. 14 great-grandchildren; Timothy Jr., Daniel, Justin, Zackary Marsh, Christopher, Joaquim (Jack), Olivia Mello, Nicholas & Michael Mello, Joshua & Kaleigh Agosto and Kevin, Ryan & Dylan Brockel. Special friends Salome, Arlinda, Irene and Candida. Theresa was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold. She was a constant presence in her families lives, she was the glue to our family and now she is our shining light in heaven. A special thank you to the New England Health Care, Nurse Fabian and her aide Karen. Vitas health care for their hospice care and to her loving and devoted daughter and son in law, Nela and Paul who made it possible for Theresa to stay at home the last 6 years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 1 Fatima Square, Hartford, CT 06106, on Thursday, June 15, at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Calling hours will be prior to the service from 9:30-11:30 AM, at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke, Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the church. Please visit www.dillonbaxter.com to share a memory with the family.