Theresa Mary Arriet

June 13, 1932 – January 6, 2022

Theresa Mary Garibay Arriet passed from this world into Heaven on January 6, 2022, having lived all of her 89 years with boundless love.

She was born on June 13, 1932, in the Pinedale neighborhood of Fresno, California, to her faithful, loving parents, Maria and Ramón Garibay, and was baptized and confirmed at Saint Agnes Mission Church in Pinedale. Born on the Feast Day of St. Anthony, she was the second of five children, and is survived by her older brother, Henry Garibay, and her younger brother, Louie Garibay. She was preceded in death by her younger sisters, Anita Roman and Frances Roman both of whom were extremely dear to her.

Theresa was also preceded in death by her much beloved husband of 25 years, Pete Arriet, who died much too early at age 59 in 1985. Pete and Theresa married on May 9, 1959, at Saint Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church. In fact, they were the first couple to be married there. She remained devoted to attending weekly Mass over the past 62 years, never missing it unless she was ill. Her faith in our Lord was always front and center in all that she did.

Theresa and Pete were blessed with four children with whom they lovingly shared a life filled with good-hearted humor, music, dancing, and good food. In short, they lived life fully and well. She is survived by her children Marisa McCoy, her husband Pat, Jim Arriet, his wife Gayle, Don Arriet, and Ron Arriet, his wife Danielle, Her grandchildren Mason Arriet and Shelby Thompson, her great-grandchild Ariana, and dozens of nieces and nephews. Always with a deep, abiding love for family, Theresa loved to host parties and family gatherings. She was a gracious hostess, a great conversationalist, and an amazing cook. Raised in a family rich in Latin culture and tradition, she would whip up a flavorful meal in no time for all to enjoy. At the center of all these occasions were her incredible feasts. She was constantly being asked for her recipes as they were works of art. Her tender loving care went into everything she made. It filled her heart to see her guests comfortable and smiling. Always ready with a warm smile and amusing laughter, she was so easy to get along with and loved by all. She had a way of making anyone feel comforted by her loving and caring ways, offering a shoulder to cry on to anybody who needed some TLC and a supportive friend. So much so that she was fondly called Momma Theresa by so many of her children’s friends, whom she always welcomed through the years. And if she offered to feed them, too, they came running to the dinner table. What a treat!

Theresa was quite the dancer in her day. Of course, her favorite partner was her husband Pete, and they were known to cut a rug or two. The Arriet household was filled with music and joy, whether it was mariachi bands playing for family occasions, or her sons’ band rehearsals and rock jams in the garage. Theresa absolutely loved when her sons would play “La Bamba” for her on her birthday. She would get up whenever it was played and dance until her heart was content. Always with a beaming smile!

Prior to getting married, Theresa worked as a hairdresser at Marion’s Beauty Salon. She made many life-long friends during that time and stayed in close contact with them for the rest of her life. She greatly enjoyed their company while she would cut, color, and style hair for family and friends at her home. Some of her fondest memories were afternoons spent “visiting” and laughing with her sister Frances while styling her hair; they were like two schoolgirls together. So cute!

After getting married and starting a family, Theresa and her husband ran Lamplighter Liquor for 25 years, where they met friendly community members but also survived a few harrowing adventures. It was a family-operated business where not only their children worked, but many family and friends worked as well. When Theresa became a widow at the age of 52, she carried on the family business while still raising her three teenage sons.

She also worked as a florist, which furthered her passion with flowers. She took great pride in tending her picturesque garden, the focal point of which were the roses she loved so much. The loving care she devoted to her garden was evident as people would frequently drive by her house and stop to admire her well-kept yard. Uniquely artistic, she also designed countless holiday arrangements and decorations for her children’s school fundraising events at St. Therese’s Grammar School and San Joaquin Memorial High School.

Theresa was very giving of her time and her talents, always willing to help others. Since she was bi-lingual, she would drive out to the Kerman area and patiently teach English lessons to Spanish-speaking migrant farm workers. She also donated her time to the Infant of Prague organization, working to raise money to support the full-service agency that facilitated child-centered open adoptions in the Central California region.

Closest to her heart were her years of selflessly being a loving caregiver for 11 years to her beautiful mother, Maria, before her passing in 2002. We have no doubt that they are now rejoicing together in the light of the Lord. We can imagine them all dancing together, joining in hugs and laughter, and maybe even gathering to make tamales.

Theresa leaves an enduring legacy of love, laughter, and devotion (enjoyed with a good meal). She was grateful to be truly blessed in life. All who knew and loved her have undoubtedly been blessed as well.

Theresa will forever be loved and missed.