Theresa R. (DiCorpo) Mays, 97, of Fairhaven, passed away on February 20, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospital, surrounded by her family. The tenth of eleven children of Ferdinand and Rose DiCorpo, Theresa was born on November  2, 1928. She grew up in the Italian section of Fall River, where hard working families built a life in this country, seeking the American Dream. Her mom passed away when she was only nine  years old, but the love of her father, brothers and sisters guided her as she grew up to become an adult.

She attended Davis Elementary School where she graduated in 1943, and Durfee High School in 1947. She later met her former husband Lawrence Silva, and married in 1948.

They began a life together in the flint where they raised a family. Her industrious nature and skills as a seamstress landed her a job at Chesterfield Dress where she was a supervisor for over thirty years. They were married for nearly 24 years.

Later in life she met and married Donald Mays, and the two shared 38 years of marriage until his passing. She was loved by all that had the opportunity to meet and know her.

She is survived by her children: Lawrence Silva and his wife Maria, of Fairhaven, Susan Ferrera and husband Joseph, of North Carolina; stepchildren: Donald B. Mays and his wife Geraldine, of Somerset, and Tammy Estrela and her husband Mike, of Dighton; grandchildren: Aaron Silva, of Tennessee, and Jessica Face of Michigan, as well as their spouses, great grandchildren, and  extended family. Of special mention is her niece and friend Judith Fredrickson who was there for her in later years to share family events, day trips to the waterfront and her medical appointments and most importantly her hairdresser.

Her Funeral Service was held on Saturday, February 28th, in our Fall River Chapel followed by her committal at St. Patrick Cemetery also in Fall River.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!