Teresa M. "Terri" (Lagoa) Gifford, 78, of New Bedford, died Saturday, April 4, 2020 at St. Luke's Hospital following a lengthy illness. She was the widow of Earl Gifford and daughter of the late Evaristo and Maria (Dias) Lagoa.

 

Born in Graçiosa, Azores, she emigrated to New Bedford as a child and resided in Dartmouth for more than 40 years.

 

Mrs. Gifford was a parishioner of St. Julie Billiart Church. She was employed as a secretary at St. Luke's Hospital until her retirement.

 

She was a talented quilter and enjoyed the companionship of her beloved dog, Lulu.

 

Her family includes three sons, Robert Furtado and his companion, Maria Rebelo of New Bedford, Russell Furtado and his companion, Jeanne Martin of Fairhaven and the late Bruce Furtado and his wife, Sharon Furtado of Florida; two sisters, Mary Ouimet and Eileen Peters and her husband, Rod, all of New Bedford; five grandchildren, Michael Furtado, Jessica Furtado, Stephanie Crossman, Derek Furtado and Bethany Rizzuto; four great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Mikayla, Lucas and Kinsley; nieces & nephews. She was the sister of the late Reverend Raul Lagoa and Charles Lagoa.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

 

Her service will be conducted at a later date. Burial is private. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Aubertine-Lopes Funeral Home, 129 Allen St., New Bedford. For online guestbook, visit www.aubertine-lopes.com.