Teresa Koehler

Teresa Fernandez Koehler passed into eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 10, 2010. Teresa spent her last days under the loving care of her husband Paul Koehler and the doctors and nurses at MD Anderson. She was preceded in death by her sister Gloria and her parents Fidel and Lupita Fernandez. Teresa was a dedicated Christian and active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she formed the first choir. For many years, she led the music ministry and choir for different churches and activities. She was an accomplished guitarist and singer, with a beautiful soprano voice. Teresa has a passion for music and singing, bringing joy to many who heard her sing. Her nieces and nephews remember her fondly for leading the family in a special happy birthday song at family gatherings. Teresa was born December 6, 1952, and she received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy communion at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She became an active member of the Schoenstatt movement, ultimately dedicating herself to Our Lady and joining the Schoenstatt Sisters for nine years. Upon leaving the convent, she lived close to her parents to support them as they suffered through aging pains. She also helped her sister Gloria through her suffering. Initially an elementary school teacher, Teresa pursued her master’s degree in library science and eventually became a school librarian. She felt the call to married life and met her husband Paul who was also seeking his first married partner. Upon retiring from the school district, she began to work part-time as a tutor and mentor for students at Holy Family parish school.

Theresa is survived by her husband Paul, her sister Lucy (Isidro) Olmos and her brothers Refugio (Sally), John (Mary), Eddy (Josefina), Adan (Carmen) and brother-in-law Rey Herrera (Gloria’s husband). She is also survived by nephews and nieces: Robert, Michael, Stephen (Refugio); Corina, Anna, and Clarisa (Gloria); Monica and Daniel (John); Andres and Gabriel (Eddy); Zachary, Jacob, and Josh (Adan); and Jason and Lisa (Lucy); and seventeen grand nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors, 4901 Everhart Road and then at that time Mrs. Koehler will be taken to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass and Rites of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 15, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 7522 Everhart Road with the interment to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park.