Theresa "Terry" Olivares

Our beloved Terry, a devoted wife, loving mother and amazing grandmother passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at the age of 90. She was born in El Paso, Texas on November 29, 1930 to the late Jose and Ramona (Villegas) Duran. All throughout her teens, her family would travel to California during the canning season; they would stay in the Fruitridge area of Sacramento, with cousins.

In her early twenties, during her employment with the Bercut Richards Cannery, she met a man named Angelo J. Olivares. Angelo (also known as ‘Keno/Ken’) romanced her over the course of many dates and some well-written love letters; he would eventually steal her heart and in return, he gave her his for a lifetime. Terry and Angelo exchanged vows on October 25, 1953 in the most beautiful ceremony at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento with all their closest family members and friends in attendance.

Not long after their marriage, they began growing their family and started welcoming their own children: Nancy, Susan, Michael, Terry-Ann, David and Janet, into the world. With six young children at home, Terry seemed well trained for any battle; so it was no surprise to anyone that shortly after an unfortunate accident Ken had at the military base, which resulted in the loss of his leg that Terry never left his side. Even though she was a good foot shorter than Ken, he often told people that she was the stronger one.

Sometime later, they would settle their family in the Curtis Park area in the early 70’s, where they spent their free time camping, playing sports, making their famous homemade tortillas and dad’s favorite red chili. All the while, Terry balanced her home life and her career at the cannery well into her seventies.

After 35 wonderful years of marriage, Terry laid her beloved husband and best friend to rest in September of 1985. She remained strong and carried on, welcoming 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren into this world. She had her own unique bond with each one of them, cherishing every moment she had with them.

Her retirement was filled with time spent helping each of her children raise their children; taking bus trips to casinos, getting her hair done and traveling to see family and friends. Despite how full these days were, she missed Ken every single day.

Terry spent these last four years in a resting home being well loved and cared for. As we grieve the loss of this amazing woman, we know in our hearts that she is together with the love of her life, Ken. Despite our greatest sorrows, we rejoice knowing that she is beside the love of her life—again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryanauman.com for the Olivares family.