Terese Mazzarelli Mills of Concord, Massachusetts, passed away on September 18, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born on August 25, 1949, in Milford, Massachusetts, Terese grew up in a close-knit Italian-American family, the beloved daughter of Mary E. (Penza) Mazzarelli and Anthony J. Mazzarelli. The family traditions and values instilled in her early life remained central to her throughout her life. An only child, Terese was especially close to her first cousins, who were more like siblings to her than extended family.

Terese graduated from Walpole High School and Newton College of the Sacred Heart. She later earned her master’s degree from Middlebury College, continuing her studies in Madrid, Spain, at Middlebury’s School of Spanish.

Education was central to Terese’s life, and she devoted her career to teaching Spanish. Terese taught in Winchester early in her career, and when her children were older, she taught at John Glenn Middle School in Bedford, where she shared her love of the Spanish language and culture with her students. Among the most meaningful aspects of her teaching career were the enduring friendships she formed with her fellow teachers.

After moving to Concord, Terese enrolled her children at Milldam Nursery School, where she first became part of a community that would shape much of her life in Concord. She went on to become a longtime, active member of the Milldames, an organization of women in Concord and the surrounding towns dedicated to community service and support for those in need, as well as fostering lasting connections among its members. Known to many as Terri, she served for many years as the Milldames’ Newsletter Chairman.

Terese’s Catholic faith was central to her life. She was a regular parishioner at Holy Family Parish and St. Irene’s Church, and her faith shaped the way she raised her family, ensuring that her children and grandchildren received their sacraments and carried forward the traditions she held dear.

Terese was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Michael Thomas Mills. Together, they made their home in Concord and lovingly raised their three children.

Newport, Rhode Island, held a very special place in Terri’s heart. She began spending summers there as a baby with her family, and Newport remained her happy place throughout her life as she shared it with her husband, their children, and their grandchildren. The traditions, memories, and time spent together in Newport became an important part of her family’s life and something she cherished deeply.

She is survived by her children, Francesca Mills Purcell and Patrick J. Purcell Jr. of Boston, Mary Ellen Mills Harney and Michael D. Harney of Concord, and Stephen Michael Mills and Nina Mills of New York City. She is also survived by her longtime partner and companion, Doug Smith, who shared many years of love and memories with her and shared her appreciation for nature, humanity, and art.

Terese’s greatest joy was being a grandmother. She was devoted to her grandchildren, generous with her time, and always up for a babysitting adventure. Her grandchildren will remember her generosity and the depth of her love for them. She was the cherished grandmother of Eloisa Mary Frances Purcell (“Lola”), Patrick Joseph Purcell V (“River”), Joseph Michael Harney III (“Joss”), Michael Thomas Harney (“Mikey”), Devin James Harney (“DJ”), Miller Easton Harney, and Milo Thomas Mills.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Terese's life during visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Sunday, September 27th from 4 to 6 pm.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 28th at 10:30 am in St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center.  Private burial will follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.  For those who wish to attend the Mass remotely, please click here to access the church live stream.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Terri’s memory may be made to: Lawrence Catholic Academy, 101 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA 01843.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.