Teresa Chavez
Our beloved, Teresa Chavez, born October 15, 1927, left this earth to join God on April 17, 2023. When she passed, she had great-grand children, grandchildren and children by her side. We know that she was greeted by her husband Juan with a bouquet of freshly picked flowers and a canción. Her heavenly reunion will include her parents Santiago and Concha Olveda, sister Manuela Torrez, brother Raymond Olveda, and son in law Scott Tregembo. Teresa was a proud woman of unwavering faith. She was proud of the family she created with her husband of 67 years. She will be greatly missed by her children and their families: Virginia Sandoval, John and Gloria Chavez, Phillip and Dolores Chavez, Anthonette Tregembo, Cecilia Chavez, Donna and Kevin Saiz, and Chris and Kathy Chavez. Her spirit and love will live on in her 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. The keepers of her memories are her surviving siblings Socorro Gonzalez, Mary Romo, Tony and Frieda Olveda and Rachel Benavidez.
Our mom, Teresa Chavez, embodied three things: perseverance and grit (a.k.a., stubbornness), education, and unconditional love for her kids but no one else. There are a million stories wrapped around these three pillars.
Anyone who was lucky enough to know Teresa knew that her home was always inviting and that her hospitality knew no bounds. You would always be greeted with coffee and burnt cookies, because, as she insisted, Juan loved them that way. Every gathering consisted of as much food as laughter. Teresa loved playing Skip Bo with anybody and never lost her competitive edge. Her less than honest card skills were often overlooked by those who loved playing with her or vehemently denied to those who loved riling her up even more. Teresa’s Easter celebrations were her specialty and brought her immense pleasure. She orchestrated each event for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved dyeing Easter eggs and had no qualms about dying most of the eggs herself. As a Grandma and Nana, she had the incredible talent of sneaking money into your pocket and making you feel like you were her favorite. She was always in the front row for her family’s birthdays, weddings, christenings, graduations, sporting events, concerts, honors and recognitions. We are sure many tired of her bragging about her family during her many phone conversations. Oh, how she loved texting and talking on the phone! Teresa enjoyed her almost daily phone calls to and from her sisters reliving their childhood males, shenanigans and adventures most of all. Playful arguments often ensued about whose recollection was the truth. Her nephew, Mark Romo, took time daily to pray with her and for her. This gentleness and faith meant so much to Teresa and her children, who lovingly refer to him as her “favorite son”.
Teresa’s hands were her conduit for sharing her love with many. She loved painting ceramics and never lost her touch with a paint brush. She spent hours upon hours quilting and crocheting blankets and would light up as she placed them in the hands of family and friends. When we look upon her colorful artwork or wrap ourselves up in those blankets, we will be able to feel the warmth of her love.
Anyone who knew Teresa also knew the immense capacity of her faith. Many a sleepy child and grandchild knew that she would be at morning mass with or without you. Praying the rosary daily with her devout daughter La Virg and their prayer groups was something that she loved and that brought her much peace. If you needed a direct line to heaven, all you had to do was ask Teresa and Virginia to pray for you. Now we have our own guardian angel.
Teresa’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to her healthcare providers, especially Mary and Maggie, who cared for her with loving hands and hearts. To her relatives, neighbors and friends who have reached out with prayers and love, we thank you for sharing your joyful and humorous moments with our Mom.
A celebration of the beautiful life of Teresa Chavez will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Mesa, Arizona. A Rosary will be held at 9:30 and Mass will immediately follow. Teresa will be interred with her beloved Juan on May 1st at 2:00 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.