Maria Teresa Guerra

In 1964, Tere immigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities and following her older sister, Mia and her husband, Wilfred, to Cleveland, Ohio. Not long after moving to Cleveland, she met her soon-to-be husband, Victor, through one of her younger sisters, Zulema. Zulema showed Victor Manuel Guerra a photo of Tere and he instantly knew he had to meet her. Their love story blossomed, and they married in 1969. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed two children, Victor Manuel Guerra Jr. and Cynthia Melisa (Guerra) McCannel. Their time together was cut short when Victor passed away in 1982, but Tere’s love for him endured—he was her one and only husband.

Despite the challenges of widowhood, Tere raised her children with unwavering strength, resilience, and love. She was fiercely independent, instilling that same determination in her children. A talented and passionate beautician, she owned her own salon for many years, dedicating her career to making others feel beautiful inside and out. After retiring from the beauty industry, she found joy in helping raise her nieces and nephews, sharing her warmth and wisdom with extended family.

Tere had a deep love for cooking and found immense happiness in sharing her delicious meals and baked goods with others. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing family and friends enjoy her food. Most recently, she moved from Port Orchard to Lynnwood to be closer to her daughter, embracing a new chapter in an independent adult community. There, she quickly made friends and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures—whether it was visiting with friends, participating in activities, or indulging in her favorite pastime of playing slot machines at the casino.

Tere is survived by her two children and their spouses, Victor & Diana Guerra and Melisa & Michael McCannel. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Richie Guerra and David Guerra, three sisters -Mia Carlson, Gloria Reyes, and Marta Reyes Costa-, and brother - Armando Reyes. She is reunited in heaven with her parents, her loving husband Victor, two sisters -Magdalena Reyes and Zulema Reyes- and two brothers- Francisco Reyes and Oscar Reyes-, and her brother- in-law- Wilfred Carlson.

A devoted Catholic, Tere lived with faith and grace, finding peace in knowing she would be welcomed into God’s embrace. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness—one that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A commemoration of her life and love will be held on April 5, 2025, at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills in Lynnwood.