Former Owner of Elaine's Flowers, Theresa (Dalpe) Nys, of N. Smithfield, Dies

Former Owner of Elaine's Flowers, Theresa (Dalpe) Nys, of N. Smithfield, Dies

Theresa ”Terry” (Dalpe) Nys, 95, of North Smithfield, died peacefully on August 12, 2021, at Friendly Home in Woonsocket after a long, beautiful life. Born November 20, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Aurore (Riendeau) and Henri Dalpe.

She leaves behind her children, Elaine Morisseau and her late husband Cam of North Smithfield, Adrienne Nys of Holden, MA, and Roger Nys and his partner David Lytle of California. Her surviving siblings include Madeleine Berard of Blackstone, MA, Jeannine Butler of Smithfield, and Normand Dalpe of Burrillville. She was called “Memere Terry” by her cherished grandchildren, Rachel Bergeron and her late husband Rob, Christine Gesualdi and her husband Kirk, Bethany Killeen and her husband Rob, Daniel Fournier and his partner Sarah Ames, and Ellyn Nys; great-grandchildren, Emily Murray and her husband Derek, Matthew Bergeron, and Brynlee and Teagan Killeen; and great-great-grandchildren, Olivia and Camden Murray. Terry also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins, her lifelong friend, Midge Boudreau, and her attentive caretaker turned friend, Sabrina Desrosiers. She was predeceased by her siblings Roland Dalpe and Sister Florence Dalpe.

The oldest of six children, Terry graduated from Blackstone High School. She worked various jobs, but her passion in life was floristry. Terry owned and operated Elaine’s Flowers in North Smithfield for 60 years until her daughter Elaine and granddaughter Rachel took on the family business following her retirement 35 years ago. Since then, Terry enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, BINGO, and card games with her sisters and friends, reading everything from novels to the National Enquirer, crocheting, and embroidery. She also loved her porch, relaxed weekends on Cape Cod, and traveling across the globe.

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Nothing meant more to Terry than spending time with her family. She was the beloved matriarch and always graced the head of the dining room table during the holidays and family gatherings.

Terry will be lovingly remembered by her strength, gratitude, and favorite evening cocktail, a Southern Comfort Manhattan.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 18, from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St. Woonsocket.

Her family kindly asks that visitors dress casually in bright colors and florals to celebrate her vibrant life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 19, at 10 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 63 Church St., Slatersville.

Burial will be private at a later date.

Masks are required at the funeral home and church regardless of vaccination status.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theresa "Terry" (Dalpe) Nys, please visit the floral store.