Teresa Villarreal

Tere Villarreal, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend entered the kingdom of Heaven peacefully the morning of February 24, 2023 with the love of her family surrounding her. She was a beautiful and courageous woman who proudly battled and won breast cancer seven years ago.

She was born June 16, 1937 to Polo and Ernestina Villarreal and was the eldest of 12 children. Tere is survived by her five adult children Humberto Rodriguez (Cherry), Blanca Davis (Jack), Norma Thonen (Patrick), Patsy Manard (Paige), and Javier Rodriguez (Gayle). Four grand-children Teresa Rodriguez, Shaun Davis (Marisol), Leanna Manard, and Hunter Thonen (Chelsie); three great-grandchildren Aliyiah Davis, Shauna Davis, and Darren Jackson Davis. Three brothers Lencho Villarreal (Terri), Polo Villarreal (Sandy), and Johnny Villarreal. Two sisters Alicia Sosa and Imelda Swetnam (Mike). As well as, numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces extending from California, Oregon, Mexico to Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents Polo and Ernestina Villarreal; brothers Humberto Villarreal and Alfonso Villarreal; sisters Bertha Lopez, Connie Garcia, Irene Villarreal, Delia Villarreal, and Odon Rodriguez Nava, her former husband, who remained a beloved member of the entire Rodriguez-Villarreal family.

Tere and Odon Rodriguez married in 1956 and in 1962 they moved to Healdsburg, California where they joined and supported the seasonal farmworkers and the Cesar Chavez movement in 1966. They raised five children of their own and instilled in their children the importance of family values, unity, respect, and a strong work ethic. In 1972 through today, Tere lived a happy life in Harlingen with her adult children constantly checking in on her and taking her places. They will deeply miss her and will treasure the many happy childhood memories they created over the years. In two words, they describe their mother as “epic” and “beautiful.”

Those who knew Tere Villarreal, knew she represented “elegance.” She was a remarkable and strong woman, yet, kind and humble. Her favorite flower was the RED ROSE! She had three favorite friends: Fela, Molly, and Minnie. Often, they would share life stories over lunch or coffee.

Growing up, in the mid 40’s to the 1950’s, with no phones and limited funds, Tere had big dreams. Through tough times and sacrifices, she continued to reach for the stars as best as she could. She was never afraid to be in the spotlight. She would say “With faith and God, anything is possible.” At the age of 9 she was happiest performing during the holiday programs at Wilson Elementary School—this she remembered well. During family gatherings, usually the weekends, she often performed with a smile for her aunts, uncles, and cousins where family advice was also imminent and gracefully taken by her.

Mrs. Teresita Villarreal, an award-winning, hall of fame songwriter, leaves behind over 200 Tere Villarreal compositions. Her songs were mostly boleros and ballads, some cumbias and rancheras with 29 recordings to date by various Tejano/Conjunto/Regional Mexican Artists. Writing songs was Tere’s lifelong passion. Not only did she write the lyrics to every song, but she also composed the music. She learned at a very young age she could apply the melody to her lyrics in a well-balanced repeated sequence. Her music begins to take the spotlight in the mid 1970’s.

An avid supporter and pioneer of conjunto music, she continued to recognize the work that is put into each song from its composition to the technical work and creativity to produce a record. She constantly praised musicians, including her brothers, Los Cuatro Del Valle de Lencho y Poncho Villarreal, for their challenging and splendid work. Many musicians became her friends until the very end and will remain dear friends of the family for years to come. She was forever thankful to the music artists, radio stations, announcers, magazines, newspapers, publishers, and recording labels who believed in her work. Tere Villarreal’s award-winning recognitions include the Composer of the Year in 2017 –the Narciso Martinez Award presented by the South Texas Conjunto Association of Elsa, Texas, followed by the Freddy Gomez Memorial Award, Brownsville, Texas, and in 2013 she received El Tio Castulo Polinas El Gaviota Award #1 de la Radio de Reynosa, Tamps for eight of her compositions. Following 2016, she battled cancer with the help of MD Anderson. She had been in remission 7 years. Recently, battling short-term dementia Tere is informed she is being selected for Induction to the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame and Museum in Alice, Texas, which is one of the highest honors an individual receives-- Composer Award category. While she could not attend the induction, she was able to understand what had just occurred and she was also able to hold and feel, with her beautiful and fragile hands, now at 85, her diamonded-shape, crystallized glass award.

The Villarreal-Rodriguez Family would like to thank all physicians and staff for the excellent medical care rendered to our loving mother. Special thanks to Dr. Hugo Blake, Abel Saenz, PA,

Dr. Diana Lozano, Ms. Shasha Morales, PA, Harlingen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Gracia Hospice. A big, big “thank you” to all the nurses and staff at Gracia Hospice and HNRC who cared for “Teresita” with unconditional kindness, compassion, support, and hard work through this very difficult time. Also, family gratitude is extended to Julie and Lety, her personal caregivers—both, whom cared for our beautiful mother with genuine love and affection, including listening to conjunto music and dancing with her! A very special thanks to the legendary Mr. Chano Cadena for his genuine friendship and rapport with Mrs. Villarreal.

Visitation, one day only, will be held at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home, La Feria, Texas on Saturday, March 4, 2023 beginning at 11 a.m., following departure at approximately 2 p.m. to Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in La Feria.

Honored to serve will be Shaun Davis, Hunter Thonen, Patrick Thonen, Jorge Leyva, Steve Rodriguez, and Ruben Vela Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Javier Rodriguez, Humberto Rodriguez, and Raul Villarreal.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorial donations in memory of Tere Villarreal may be made to The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center. P. O. Box 471, San Benito, TX 78586. An organization who promotes, preserves, and develops conjunto music. Tere’s favorite events were the annual Narciso Martinez conjunto festivals. It was her pride and joy to attend annually.