Theresa Helen Ortiz

Theresa was born on January 1, 1929 in Munson, California. Her birth rang in the New Year and

was featured in her hometown newspaper as the first baby born in 1929. Her parents, Francisco and Natividad Ramirez, raised Theresa and eight siblings in small towns of the San Joaquin Valley. Her father's work as a foreman of Southern Pacific Railroad took them to Clovis, Malaga, and Selma. She later moved to Fresno where she lived the remainder of her life.

Theresa considered some of greatest accomplishments to have been the years she spend supporting those in the medical field. She valued education and her career aspiration was to become a nurse. Although the dream of becoming a nurse was not realized, shep spend much of her life serving doctors, nurses, and her community. She served first as a telephone operator and then as a language interpreter at hospitals in Fresno including Fresno County, Fresno Community and CRMC Children's clinic.

She accompanied doctors as a translator as they provided medical care in communities of Mexico and Project Nino, sponsored by the Rotary Club. She used the skills she had in the Spanish Language to assist many people at very difficult times of their lives.

Theresa had a joy for life and laughter that was evident in her sense of humor and wit. She also loved to

perform on stage with a Fresno Seniors Group called, New Wrinkles. Her performances were held at Fresno City College and were acclaimed as one of the top 20 arts and entertainments in Fresno Area.

She was a performer at heart. If you were ever at a gathering or party with Theresa you could probably

get her to sing, especially her favorite song, "Don't Get Around Much Anymore."

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Ortiz, her sons, Martin, Jr., David and Xavier Ortiz, and grandsons, Martin Ortiz III and Anthony Ortiz.

She is survived by her daughters Doris Zavala and Stella Pena, both of Fresno, sister, Marlene Valdez of Selma, many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews

who will miss her greatly.

A Recitation of Rosary for Theresa will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720.

A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM at The Shrine of St. Therese, 855 East Floradora Ave., Fresno, California 93720.

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