Born in Los Angeles, California, Teresa, along with other California-born family members, eventually settled in Spokane, Washington in the 1980s. Not long after her move, she attended Spokane Community College art classes where she became friends with a fellow classmate, David, who would eventually become her husband.

Through her talent, humor, and kindness, she went on to develop a community of creative and caring friends in her new town, many from her longtime career as Activity Director at Sullivan Park Care Center.

WSAAP (Washington State Association of Activity Professionals) was one of her biggest passions. She attended the conferences for years with a close network of friends. The conferences had themes and costume contests. Teresa always dressed up according to the theme and often won the contests.

Both in and outside the workplace, Teresa was renowned for her amazing salsas and fantastic enchiladas.

She was also an accomplished ballroom dancer, and could cumbia and salsa with the best of them.

An avid arts and crafts maker, Teresa always had projects to keep her busy. She also had an eye for vintage items, and for a time had a side business selling her curated finds.

Whether buying or making it, jewelry was one of her biggest joys. She particularly enjoyed Native American beadwork; she'd collect many of her pieces from pow wows and other indigenous events in Spokane and surrounding areas.

Teresa enjoyed road trips with her husband, family, and friends. She was known to be lucky at the slots whenever they'd go to a casino. In spite of her active lifestyle, and even in failing health, she always found time to care for her mother, youngest sister, and others. She didn't have children of her own, but she was mother to many.

Teresa's Catholic faith was important to her, as well as her Mexican/Native American heritage. She requested a living memorial fiesta with a Día de los Muertos theme. Her crowned in flowers, walls bedecked with papel de picado and garlands of cempasúchil (marigolds), Teresa received family and a parade of friends at her bedside.

She is survived by her loving husband, mother, three sisters, one brother, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, eldest sister, and youngest brother.

Special thanks to Hospice House of Spokane for their compassionate care of Teresa in her final fight with cancer.  And much gratitude to Fr. Dan Navares for assisting her on her journey.