Theresa Lee Nielsen

Theresa Lee Nielsen, age 53, of Santa Clarita, California passed away on Friday May 3, 2019. Theresa was born July 27, 1965 in Santa Monica, a fiery red-head with a competitive spirit that couldn't be broken.

It can be said without a doubt that Theresa loved to win. She told the story many times with great pride, how she made All-Stars her first year in AYSO Soccer and was active into her early 20's. She joined the Sheriff's Department at 20 years old when females were not really welcome, much less lesbians. One of her greatest achievements was her 31 year career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. She met her wife, Kristi Nielsen, an L.A.P.D. officer, at a gay & lesbian Police Officer's conference where she instantly fell in love with her soon-to-be step children, Danica and Eric. She was so excited to be the "fun mom" that she dove right in, teaching them to swim, boogie board, snorkel, raft, and basically everything that involved the outdoors. Theresa loved to laugh -- at just about everything and everyone. In fact, it wouldn't be shocking if she were still laughing with us. There was never a month that went by without multiple visits to every amusement park in Los Angeles -- Magic Mountain (her favorite), Knots Berry Farm, Disneyland and Hurricane Harbor. The faster and more extreme the roller coaster, the better. She had the best times on cruises to Alaska & Mexico with her wife & family. It had to be said that her favorite holiday was Halloween. She loved a good jump scare and had the best time putting up "silly spooky" decorations and scaring the "wits" out of unsuspecting family members (specifically her sister-in-law). Theresa LOVED her motocross racing. She raced with her long-time motocross club "The Over the Hill Gang" for over 10 years, always steaming toward first place, with multiple trophies to show for it. Overall, Theresa had a fun, child-like spirit that will never be replaced and is sorely missed.

Her funeral mass will take place at St. Monica Catholic Church 701 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403 on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 10 AM with a burial to follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 N. Sierra Highway, Newhall, California 91321.

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