Teresa "Terry" Helen Echeveria

Teresa "Terry" Helen Echeveria, aged 88, of Lakewood Ranch, FL, and a long-time resident of Port St. Lucie, FL, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born on April 8, 1935, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to the late John and Sarah Hernandez Echeveria. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Herbert and George Echeveria, and her sisters, Elda Bulte and Delta Bohlander.

Terry was a force to be reckoned with, a true taskmaster in her career pursuits. Graduating from St. Michael's High School and attending St. Elizabeth College in Convent Station, NJ, she embarked on her journey as a Spanish interpreter for Hoffman La Roche Pharmaceutical House in Nutley, NJ. Later, she took to the skies as an airline stewardess for Eastern Airlines in Miami. Her unwavering commitment and strong will led her into hospitality management, where she rose to become the head of Quality Assurance for the Dining Services Division. At Eastern, Terry made history as the first female General Manager for the airline catering division of Marriott Corporation and later for Cater Air, Inc., working in various locations across the country, from New Orleans to San Francisco and Washington D.C.

Terry's extensive travels in the airline and catering industries took her to different corners of the world, and she took every opportunity to enjoy the thrill of life. Terry often recalled that these adventures were the most rewarding experiences of her life, especially when she got to explore Central and South America, as well as Europe.

Terry was a woman of strong bonds, cherishing her family and friends above all else. She had a soft spot for her beloved dog Charley, and her 5 nieces and 3 nephews. Among her friends, three stood out as her partners-in-crime - the late Louise Meagher, Hazel Menichetti and the late Chris Spacek. Together, they knew how to have a good time, whether it was cruising, dancing, playing Scrabble, or just enjoying some mariachi music.

Terry was an active member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie, where she participated in various ministries, including Eucharistic, Funeral, Jail, and Birthdays. Beyond her professional accomplishments and party-loving spirit, she held a strong sense of devotion to her faith.

A memorial mass in celebration of Terry's life will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 12905 State Road 70 E, Lakewood Ranch, FL. Following the mass, a reception will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, 4310 Solutions Lane, Bradenton, FL.

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