Theresa Moline

As a child, she survived the Great Depression on a small dairy farm owned by her family. During World war II, she attended high school while her two older brothers, Ernie and Tommy joined the Navy and fought in the Pacific. She and her friends loved attending USO dances with military boys all around Monterey County. Because she had the only car, she drove all the girls better known as "Terry and the Pirates" to all the dances.

By the end of the decade she married a boy from the East Coast. Her young family, including her daughters Kathe and Paula, moved there during the 50's for ten years living in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. During this time she worked in factories, as a receptionist, and trained to become a licensed beautician.

She returned to California where she gave birth to her third daughter, Elizabeth. She eventually remarried in 1969 and settled in the San Jose area with her husband, Kenneth Moline, whom she referred to as the "love of my life". Her new life included many happy moments pursuing bowling, ceramics, and especially international travel with her husband, her father, and many members of her family. She continued, after retirement, to travel well into her 80s.

Upon moving to Fresno, she began playing Bingo and Bunco, in addition to being a big fan of going to the movies. Like all of us, she loved a good story. She also loved to cook and bake for family and friends. We were all nourished by her meals and by her unwavering love and concern for all of us.

Her greatest accomplishment was her family. She always had time to share love and happiness with her three daughters, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. In addition, her bonus family included three children, nine grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Nana was always so proud of her family's achievements.

She is survived by daughters Kathleen Weltchek, Paula and John Smoot, and Elizabeth and Cliff Like. Her grandchildren include Lia & Michael Haubert, Stacey and Josh Way, Michael and Anna Gutierrez; and also, her bonus family: Dennis, Stan and Janis Moline and their seven children.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, California 93720. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the same location.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E. Champlain Drive, Fresno, California. A committal service will follow immediately after the Mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, 264 N. Blythe Ave., Fresno, California.

Theresa will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.whitehurstsullivan.com.