Theresa Ann Lake Thurston

Theresa Ann (DiGioia) Lake Thurston, 78, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away at HCA Florida West Tampa Florida Hospital on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, after a sudden illness.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on June 18, 1946, she was a daughter of the late Michael DiGioia and the late Angelina (Panzarella) DiGioia.

She was raised and educated in Bristol, Rhode Island, where she lived the majority of her life, having also resided on Providence's East Side, prior to moving to Florida.

After raising her family, she worked at a number of businesses, including at her husband’s construction company, at the Raytheon Corporation in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Amica Insurance Company, and most recently at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte, Florida, where she long volunteered her time.

Theresa always took great pride in her physical fitness and appearance and in leading a clean, active, and healthy lifestyle. She will be remembered for her love of family and her wonderful cooking. She held a special place in her heart for all animals, having owned a number of dogs and purebred horses during her lifetime,

She leaves her loving children: Michael Sheldon Lake of Providence, Rhode Island; Shelly Ann Lake of Swansea, Massachusetts; and David Scott Lake of Swansea, Massachusetts; two cherished grandsons: Stephen Michael Caizzi and Joseph Lincoln Boyd IV, both of Swansea, Massachusetts; as well as her extended family and many dear friends.

She was the former wife of the late Sheldon M. Lake and the late Alton “Al” Thurston.

Burial services were held in Swan Point Cemetery, Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, Rhode Island.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, Massachusetts. (508) 695-0200