Las Cruces – THERESE YVONNE MASTRANTUONO, 94, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died at La Posada Assisted Living Facility on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Therese spent a lifetime in service to God, family, church, and community. She was a loving wife to her husband Peter of 65 years, until his passing in 2019. Therese was born May 19, 1930, daughter of Arthur and Yvonne Foisy of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Therese was the oldest of three children who preceded her in death. Shortly after graduation from high school, Therese began her postulancy, an initial step on the path to becoming a nun within the Catholic Church. When health circumstances prevented this, she later met her future husband Peter Mastrantuono and they exchanged vows on October 3, 1953.

In addition to raising eight children, Therese was a foster mother to over 40 babies for approximately ten years for Catholic Charities and New Jersey's Department of Child Protection Services, she later served as a child advocate in Bergen County, New Jersey, representing the interests of children in foster care.

After moving to Las Cruces, in 1987, Therese founded a charity whose works led to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Las Cruces, a monastery dedicated to prayer and contemplation.

Therese is survived by her children, Peter Mastrantuono, Mary Mastrantuono, Anne Mastrantuono-Masters, and Kendra (Daniel) Dominguez; 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 14, 2024, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina Street at 8:30 AM. The Prayer Vigil at 9 AM and immediately following a Catholic Mass at 9:30 AM. Burial will commence at 2:00 PM, at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, 300 Camino De Paz, Ft. Bayard, New Mexico, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Peter.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com