Thereza Alfinito Cupelli, 98, of Lakeville, MN, passed away on June 27, 2026. She was Preceded in death by her parents, husband Salvatore (Sam) Cupelli, grandson Steven Verre and daughter Christina Ermelinda.

Thereza was born on June 11, 1928, in São Paulo, Brazil. She and her husband, Sam, were married on April 5, 1953.  In 1956, they immigrated to Chicago, Illinois where she was a lifelong homemaker.

Mom loved her family, listening to opera, and cooking the best Italian foods. If there was music, she would be dancing, showing off her moves and never missing a beat.

In 1996, Thereza and Sam moved to New Berlin, Illinois, where they lived for 20 years. Following Sam's passing in 2015, Thereza moved to Lakeville, Minnesota.

She is survived by her five daughters Gina (Chuck) Morrow of Jackson, TN. Yvonne (Bruce) Kleinschmidt of Jacksonville, IL.  Sandra (Gus) Gonzalez of Lakeville, MN. Christina Chance (Terry) of Austin, TX. Francesca (Ric) Surowiec of Franklin, TN.

As much as Thereza loved being a mom to her girls, becoming a Nonni was the role she treasured the most. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Tony Verre and children, Madison, Natalie, and Mia. August (Jessica) Kleinschmidt and their children Dominic and Amelia.  Hans Kleinschmidt. Samantha (Steve) Longley. Taylor (Tommy) Fisk and children, Mateo and Rosalia Fisk. Dane and Kara Chance. Kyle and Bailey Surowiec.

The family is having a private funeral service with burial at All Saints Cemetery in Lakeville, Minnesota.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.