Theresa E. (Tesa) DeLaup, born October 6, 1958 as Theresa Eileen Portugal of Houston, passed away peacefully with her entire family by her side on November 14, 2013 after a heroic 9 year battle with colon cancer.
Tesa was given less than a 50/50 chance of surviving 5 years and she said “that wasn’t good enough” and began her incredible battle with the help of her team at MD Anderson, her team at home including a lymphatic therapist, personal trainer, holistic therapist along with battling the big “C” with nutrition and exercise. She became an expert in battling cancer as she researched books, articles and publications from all over the world.
Nine years of continuous chemotherapy, multiple surgical procedures and radiation treatments did not stop her from living her life. Tesa was absolutely not going to succumb to this horrible disease before seeing her 2 sons graduate college, her daughter (10 years old when diagnosed) graduate high school and start college. She even got to see her oldest son get married with a grandson. She gallantly accomplished all of her goals with the team’s help, her family support and her faith in God. She traveled both nationally and abroad with her husband and family and occasionally with her sister, Dolores (Dolo) whom she enjoyed so much. Tesa was known as the “toughest patient ever” by her incredible oncologist team of Dr. Robert Wolff and PA, Kelli Nugent, who supported her all the way to the end.
Tesa had a long career with Exxon Chemicals in Houston prior to the birth of her daughter Katie in 1993 when she decided to become a full time Mom. She was also instrumental in guiding her husband Mac, who is a 30 year Honda dealer in Houston with his partner John Eagle of John Eagle Honda. Mac credits his loving wife with 100% of his success and drive as a dealer and misses his first love greatly. Tesa was so full of life with her favorite sayings: “LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH” and “NOTICE THE LITTLE THINGS”.
Tesa is survived by her loving husband Mac DeLaup (they first met as babies and next door neighbors having parents that were best friends….Tesa was Mac’s first kiss and first love before the age of 1), son Reid Muschalik & spouse Courtney Muschalik and their son Julian Peters, son Brad DeLaup, daughter Katie DeLaup, sister Dolores Portugal , brother Rick Portugal, brother Chris Portugal, brother Phillip Portugal, sister Mary Portugal, brother Dr. David Portugal, stepmom Carol Portugal, step-sister Tanya Davis, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters in law and brothers in law.
To honor Tesa, Mac is developing the “Theresa E. DeLaup Memorial Lighthouse and Park” in Harborwalk on West Galveston Bay where the couple built their retirement home. Developer Legend Communities has graciously donated the land to build the lighthouse and the reflection park. Several Harborwalk residents are assisting Mac in his mission to honor Tesa’s memory. She was able to see the preliminary plan for the lighthouse (pictured here), and was overwhelmed with joy to be able to select aqua blue, her favorite color, for the top light. The lighthouse and park at Harborwalk will be a permanent memorial for families and friends of Harborwalk and Galveston to enjoy.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation and celebration of life at the Dignity Katy Funeral Home , 23350 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494 281-395-7070 on Monday November 18, 2013 from 7:00-9:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at The Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 1530 Norwalk Dr, Katy, TX 77450 on Tuesday November 19, 2013 at 2:00 pm where family friends Father Bob Barras and Father John Rooney will officiate. Immediately following the mass a celebration of life reception will be held at the El Jarrito Restaurant event center “Palacios Maria” 21724 Highland Knolls, Katy, TX 77450. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Theresa E. DeLaup foundation at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 www.mdanderson.org and click “how you can help” and donate in the name of Theresa E. DeLaup.
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