Theresa Maria Salter

Newport RI - Theresa Maria Ferrazzoli Salter, 89, died suddenly and peacefully at her home in Newport on April 26th, 2010. She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Salter of NYC and Christine Moitoza of Hillsdale, NJ and their respective husbands, Mel Kendrick and Richard Moitoza. She is also survived by her cherished step-children, Judi Berger of Muscatine, IA and Mike Salter of Davenport, IA.Theresa was born in Newport, RI on Feburary 9, 1921, the daughter of Domenico Ferrazzoli of Casteliri, Italy and Giovanna Perrotta Ferrazzoli of Newport. She was the eldest of four children and was predeceased by her brother Joseph Ferrazzoli and sisters, Angela McDonnell and Mary Ferrazzoli.She was a graduate of Rogers High School and Rhode Island State College 1941, majoring in physiology. Enlisting in the Womens Army Corp in 1946, Theresa served as a physical therapist achieving the rank of First Lieutenant and was recipient of the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. In 1950 she married the late Lt. Col. Max Donald Salter of Ottumwa, IA. She pursued her career as a registered physical therapist at the many posting of her thirty years as an army wife.An adventurous and intrepid spirit, Theresa was an enthusiastic traveler enjoying army dependent assignments to eight American cities, Austria, Italy and Iran.When the family resettled in Newport RI in 1970, Theresa carried on as physical therapist for the Visiting Nurse Service of Bristol and Newport Counties. She was a founding member of the Friends of the Waterfront organization established in 1984 and dedicated to keeping Newports waterfront accessible to its citizens. A student of nature, Theresa was an animal lover and an ardent beachgoer. Theresa brought joy and optimism to her every relationship and graced her family with enduring support and a passionate, unconditional love. Above all, she was the much beloved Grandmother to four grandchildren, Max Edmund Kendrick, Jack Salter Kendrick, Willa Salter Kendrick and Sydney Eleanor Moitoza. A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 am at St. Marys Church, 80 Memorial Blvd. Newport . Burial will take place immediately following the service at the Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth RI.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Friends of the Waterfront, PO Box 932, Newport, RI 02840 or to the Potter League, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.