SACO — Theresa A. Poitras, 84, of Saco, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2014, in the arms of her daughters, at Evergreen Manor in Saco.

Theresa was born on Jan. 12, 1930, in Montreal, Quebec, a daughter of Cyrille and Angeline (Benjamin) Connolly.

She came to the United States with her husband and two daughters in 1960. They fell in love with the State of Maine and decided to call it “home” by the mid-1970s.

She enjoyed traveling, while working with her husband, Chef Gilles P. Poitras, to the many restaurants, resorts and country clubs where he was the executive chef, from Montreal to Maine and to Florida. She was very proud when Gilles opened Silver Spoons Restaurant in Saco. For all of the many things she did, Theresa will be best remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Theresa was preceded in death by: her husband of 59 years, Gilles P. Poitras, who passed on Dec. 2, 2011; as well as her three brothers, Jules, Bruno and Paul Connolly, all of Canada.

She is survived by: her three children, Stephan Connolly and his wife Colombe Cote of Biddeford, Diane Denton and her husband Robert of Saco and Michele England and her husband Jeff of Yarmouth.

Theresa also leaves behind: her sister, Marie Antoinette Beaupre of Framingham, Mass.; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; and many great friends.

Mom, you and Dad are in God’s arms now, but you will be in our hearts forever.

The family would like to send a special thank you to all of the compassionate “angels” at Evergreen Manor (you know who you are) and SolAmor Hospice for their loving care and support.

Friends are asked to visit with Theresa’s family on Friday, April 11, 2014 from 4-7 p.m. at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James St. in Saco. To send a condolence or to sign the online guestbook, visit www.cotefuneralhome.com.