Theresa Rose Giolma

Tess was born in Hollywood, Florida, June 24, 1946 to Lieutenant Louis S. Karably and his wife, Rachel. She grew up as an Air Force child, living at various times in Ankara, Turkey, in Florida, Ohio and Washington, D.C.

She graduated from the University of Florida in 1968, with a BA in Political Science and received an MA in Education from UF in 1969.

She met her husband-to-be, Paul Giolma while at the University. The couple moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1975, where Paul spent four years as an Army officer at BAMC. A son, Matthew, was born in 1978.

Tess became deeply involved in the San Antonio community, first with the Mahncke Park Neighborhood Association, helping to re-open Lamar Elementary as a mainstream elementary school, then with the City of San Antonio as a member of Board of Adjustments, and also with the Women's Political Caucus.

In the late 80's and throughout the 90's, she helped with political campaigns. In the 90's, she served the State of Texas on the State Board of Optometry, and the City of San Antonio as a member and as Chair of the Planning Commission.

She is survived by her husband and son; her parents, COL Louis S. USAF Ret and Rachel Karably of Melrose, FL; her sister, Deborah Karably Lazar of St. Augustine, FL; and her brothers, Louis S. Karably, Jr. of Marietta, GA, David Karably of Earlton, FL and Kenneth Karably of St. Augustine, FL.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please make donations to the San Antonio Botanical Society, Planned Parenthood or Habitat for Humanity.