Theresa la Veda Cousins

Our precious elder Theresa Cousins nee Garcia passed from this life on September 19, 2023, after a lengthy illness.

Affectionately known as “Bunny” or “Terri,” she was just 2 days away from her 91st birthday. Terri was predeceased by her husband George in 2020 and her son, Steven, in 2003.

She leaves behind her sister Mercedes Gapka of Kamloops, her son Craig, her grandchildren David and Kassi Galligos , her great granddaughter, Madilynn and her mother Randi, her sister-in-law Lyyli Ellip, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bunny’s early life began as the third daughter of the late Sadie and late Peter Garcia of Surrey, BC. She was raised in the large family home of her parents and grandparents on Petersen Hill . After marriage she lived in Coquitlam, Powell River, and Surrey. Terri had a career as a bookkeeper; she learned computer technology early and she enjoyed doing some genealogy.

After Steven’s death, Terri and George raised Steven’s children, involving them in the Indigenous community. Terri herself participated in many Kwantlen Nation traditions and activities. Terri was also very proud to be part of a large family of Hawaiian descendants in BC and the US.

Terri was grateful to her nieces Marilyn, Allyn and Dianne for their support and care and to Surrey’s Elim Community where she resided. A family celebration of life will be held in the future.