Woman who adopted 27 children over six decades dies at 97

WILLISTON, Vt. (WCAX/Gray News) - A woman who devoted her life to creating a loving home in Vermont for dozens of children has died.

Theresa Tomasi adopted her first child in 1962. She went on to adopt a total of 27 children.

She broke through adoption barriers early on in the 60s, adopting as a single woman, and again as an older parent.

Her kids came from all over the world, and many had special needs. She still had children at home into her 90s.

Tomasi also worked for decades in social services and was once the executive director at Lund, a nonprofit helping children.

She was 97.