Teresa Rayas

      “Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Teresa Rayas, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

       She was the daughter of Cecilio Alcauter and Maria Sacrament Sarco. Raised in Michoacan, Mexico, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Teresa. She was totally committed to Sostenes and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Teresa naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Teresa disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Teresa was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Teresa was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Teresa was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Teresa was blessed with seven children, three sons, Jose Luis, Javier and Fernando, and four daughters, Basilia, Leticia, Marabel, and Isabel. They were also blessed with 22 grandchildren, Frank, Froylan, Danny, Wilfredo, Jose, Edgar, Betsy, Sammy, Becky, Leticia, Teresa, Marialena, Bianca, Junior, Ismael, Jose Enrique, Antonio, Michael, Liliana, Jazmine, Thomas, and Jaqueline.

      If you gave Teresa a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Teresa was always on task. Without hesitation, Teresa could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was welder. She was employed for Phillips Company. During that time, Teresa excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Teresa was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Teresa had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Teresa liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Teresa's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Teresa preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were to croche. Teresa was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself.

      Due to her excellent organizational skills, Teresa was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which she belonged. Teresa could bring established, successful methods to the discussion table, along with a generous helping of common sense. Teresa was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details. Throughout her later years, Teresa was an active member of the Grupo Guadalupano.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Teresa. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member St. Pius for 28 years. During that time, Teresa's stewardship also included participation on various church committees.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Teresa had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that she was the trip planner. She would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included Michoacan, Mexico.

      When Teresa's retirement finally arrived in 2006, she was well prepared. She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. In retirement, she found new pleasure in staying active in church. Even in retirement, Teresa continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

      Teresa passed away on May 31, 2015 at home in Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by Jose Luis, Basilia, Javier, Fernanado, Leticia, Marabel and Isabel. Services were held at St. Pius Church. Teresa was laid to rest in St. Casimir Cemetery.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Teresa was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Teresa was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Teresa Rayas was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Teresa. She will be missed.