Teresa (Santos) Canuel

After a hard-fought battle with COPD and lung cancer, Teresa (Santos) Canuel, 83, a beloved mother, wife, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in the comfort of her home in Swansea, MA. Born in Fall River, MA, she was employed by Ames Department Store for 10 years. 

Teresa’s passions included reading, gardening, sewing, crochet, and needlepoint (an expert blanket maker); and television mysteries. 

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ed, her son (another Ed), and her loyal dog Suzie. Dedicated to improving the lives of dogs, Teresa was a volunteer comforting countless orphaned dogs (many of which she adopted). 

Teresa was the daughter of the late Manuel R. Santos and Mary "Gilda" (Arujo) Santos.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 5th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a funeral service to celebrate Teresa’s life following at 11:00 AM in the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St. Fall River.

Burial will follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.

The family requests that, instead of flowers, please consider helping an animal in need by donating to your local pet adoption facility.