Teresa De La Rosa, our loving mother, was born on October 14, 1920 and was raised in Boyle Heights in Los Angeles, California. She was the middle child of seven, born to Cosme and Maria Cruz Marquez. She endured the loss of her father and the Great Depression at a young age. Teresa and her siblings were raised in a loving and disciplined household where everyone was taught the importance of faith, love, and support of one another.
Teresa attended Abraham Lincoln High School with all of her siblings. World War II shortly began afterwards and each of her brothers was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces. During this difficult time, Teresa helped her family survive and others in need. Her strong family values and faith in God were carried over when she became a mother. She instilled in her family the importance of supporting each other and staying connected.
In addition to being a loving mother, she was an immaculate homemaker that kept herself, her home and family organized. She was devoted to her husband for over sixty years until he passed away. Her discipline was unmatched when it came to her daily walking routine and diet, which greatly helped her maintain a strong mind and body throughout her entire life.Teresa was well known for her sharp memory, wit, and her ability to converse about anything with anyone. Gardening was also a passion of hers and she especially cherished planting and maintaining seasonal flowers. Her friendly and playful personality afforded her respect, long-term friendships, and adoration from many. She was praised for her delicious meals and some in the family would say she was the “best and fastest tortilla maker this side of the Mississippi.”
In October 2020, she celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends, and a few local news media who came to interview her.
At her birthday celebration, she was asked “What is the secret to living to 100 years old?” Teresa responded saying her love for her family and friends allowed her to live as long as she had.
Teresa is survived by her 5 children; Gloria, Vera (Ronald), Joe (Margie), Katherine (Shawn), and Linda (Edward), 5 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Teresa was predeceased by her husband Jose M. De La Rosa, and her granddaughter Melanie.
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