Just waking up had me reliving christmas past, like ebenezer scrooge.
The house was overflowing with the aroma of spices like some open air market in a far away land where time ran slowly, at least thats what i'd imagine when I was a child.
The sound of the radio tuned to christmas music and hearing her on the phone chatting with friends and family while mixing ingredients in her large mixing bowl, making last minute dishes, trips to family and friends around the city and Rockport Texas.
In later years we'd live a rustic holiday season at "the ranch", the kids would be guarding their stashes of fireworks, riding bikes through unruly paths, causing mayhem in the wilderness and heading back for warm meals, prepared by my mom and her sister all while they were preparing a larger feast.
One of the gifts that inspired the most fun was a small espresso machine she received from my sister...she opened up the present and I saw her eyes light up and breathe in deeply!
She couldn't wait for the stores to open up the day after Christmas!  Early on the 26th I was dispatched to pick up a coffee bean grinder then pick her up and head straight to Albertons for coffee beans.  She became a coffee monster in no time at all.  At times the refrigerator had up to 6 different types of coffee and on several occasions I watched her blend different beans for her own special flavor.

Thanksgiving found me reliving the past.  Days before I recalled the earliest Thanksgivings wondering where her large pan for cooking turkeys had gone to. She'd prepare almost everything the day before and have every burner on the stove on  and the turkey in the oven all while looking like a movie star with her shocking white hair pulled back and flittering around the kitchen like a bee over a field of flowers.  We'd usually have a thanksgiving lunch, put everything in the fridge then head out to visit relatives. We'd get back and usually nap.  Later years found us at "the ranch" more of a rustic downhome celebration! One wild year a decision was made to cook turkeys in a bar-b-que pit! Two families didn't eat thanksgiving till *way too late* that night. I laugh about that one.  Recently, thanksgiving was centered at home , picking oranges, over eating and watching the national dog show and then nodding off during the football games.  Special attention was paid to my nieces and their favorite dishes. She'd always remember a friend I made at work whose mom used a ruler to properly set the Thanksgiving dishes.
This year my sister rose to the occasion and prepared enchiladas and my niece made an woven crust apple pie with tender loving grace.
Through this she lives on...

I've dreamt of her.  Intense, colorful vivid dreams, yet too brief to speak with her.
One dream found us in a warehouse rescuing some injured person by gripping their  clothes and stepping over rubble towards the sound of sirens.  She was calling out orders to me on how to walk out of step so we wouldn't bounce the person we were carrying .  We handed off to EMT's and when I turned to speak to her she was gone.
Another dream found my sister, my mom and myself on stage playing rock music. I played guitar , my sister on bass and my mom pounding the drums so hard i could feel the beat in my chest.  I even remember the chord progression: A  to B to D to E then back to A.  The chorus was D to E. We finished to thunderous applause and I turned to walk to the drum riser and she was gone...
Yet another dream found me in bed looking at mount shasta on my laptop.  She entered and asked what I was looking at.  I showed her mount shasta and she reminded me that one of our neighbors came from that area.  Mysteriously she stated "somethings never change" and walked out.  I jumped out of bed and ran to her but again she was gone.
Each time I awoke sad and angry at Morpheus, god of dreams, for not letting me spend more time with her.

The first cold front of autumn found her throwing open all the windows and welcoming the change of seasons.  She loved to air the house out with the first front that blew in.  This time also had her preparing shelters for the cats who came to visit and stayed.
She and my father would visit hardware stores looking for better ways to make shelters for the cats each fall.  It never failed though, the cats seldom used the shelters! They preferred the warmth of the garage  She'd force them to eat and drink their meals from the shelters by placing their dishes inside their little homes.  They'd feast then head off under the house into the garage.
Yet every year they'd build the shelters for them.
She was truly dedicated to her colony of cats

She absolutely loved Halloween!
The menu was Frito Pie and cornbread.  Her costumes ranged from witches, toy soldier, cowardly lion, a crow and others.  Decorations were placed where children could see them at their level.  She'd fawn over the childrens costumes as they cautiously approached her.  Her shocking white hair in her witch costume sometimes scared younger children and she'd burst out in her softest sweetest voice "It's okay, I'm a friendly witch, come and ge some goodies".  It was that soothing charming demeanor that calmed many children into reaching out for their candy.  In more recent years she was a little disappointed at the dwindling number of children that went trick or treating in the neighborhood and remembered older times when the streets were overflowing with children.  One memory that she refreshed every Halloween was a verbal sketch of two ladies who lived on Johntson Drive.  They had a real cast iron cauldron filled with candy.  They'd cackle in their witch costumes much to the delight of parents and children alike.
Of course the parties she threw are still spoken of today whenever I bump into people who attended long ago they recall it as the best halloween party they ever attended.  How I miss her...

An amazing bittersweet thing happened yesterday.  One of my nieces gave me her old futon.  My couch needed replacing from years of heavy use by cats and dogs. It took some work but we moved it out of her 2nd floor apartment,  across the complex and into my truck.
She had me laughing with all her comments: I can't pick it up! It's too heavy! I can't do this! It's so hot! My nails! I just had them done!!

We got it into the back of my truck and I was out of breath from laughing.  I turned to face her and instantly I recognized my mothers face.  Laura was beet red from the hard work,  her  beautiful face was framed in beads of sweat and most of all, her eyes large and expressive.
I was speechless for a few seconds then I raised my hands to her face and held her gently with my fingertips.
I told her how much she looked like her grandmother, flushed and beautiful.
Without skipping a beat she shot back "Well duh, that's where i get it from!"
I laughed and realized she lives on through us all.
I drove home with watery eyes.

A Glenn Campbe
ll song, Galveston, brought forth memories of going to drive-in movies!
Long ago she'd pack up popcorn in a huge tupperware container and "Shasta" sodas in a foam cooler.
On Friday or Saturday evenings we'd pile into the car and get into the line for for the drive in.
My dad would find the perfect spot where the car would rise on the embankment and point straight at the huge screen.
He'd reach for the speaker and hang it on the window.
Before the movie started there was usually music playing.
I remember hearing "Galveston" various times.
My sister and I were in heaven, with popcorn and various flavors of  Shasta and a huge backseat with a pillows and blankets in the fall.
They always brought a mosquito repellant  in the form of a burning spiral called "pick".
We'd get home late and if it was a horror or monster movie, I'd be on the lookout for the blob, or a man with two heads, bigfoot,
Sometimes I'd be awake long after midnight peeking through the blinds making sure the neighborhood was safe.

My father told me a story..
Late one evening at their ranch she decided to sleep outside.
He cleaned out the bed of the truck, parked the truck away from the trailer and lights for a clear view of the sky.
She spread out layers of blankets to soften the bed of the truck and they lay under an eternal sky full of stars just gazing up.
He says they spent almost all night just talking and watching the stars and drifted off to sleep.
He values that memory so much and I'm glad he shared it with me.

One funny episode....
I'd had dinner at a friends house and her mom served a very nice version of spanish rice.
My mom was curious about what I'd had for dinner....
"Oh just chicken tacos , but the spanish rice was so good! It was flaky and perfect."
There was a pause while she took a drink of her iced tea....
She looked me straight in the eye and said...
"Well I guess you can go live with her mom."
I burst out laughing and eventually so did she.
From then on I was very careful not to mention other good food around her lest I lose the privilege of eating her magical dishes.
Shakespeare was right about a woman scorned.

I used her crockpot yesterday to make a stew.  I wasn't prepared for the torrent of memories, all food and cooking related that came forth.
She absolutely loved being in the kitchen and had a huge library of recipes, her own and others that she collected.
The problem is that she always varied each recipe like a medieval alchemist seeking to turn lead into gold and each dish really was golden. Unfortunately she didn't write down the variations for each recipe.
When I'd ask "what did you change? It's so good!"
Her reply would be "oh i just added some brown sugar" or "I cut back on the nutmeg and put in some cornstarch".
When asked "how much?"  The reply was comical, she'd hold out her dainty hand and form a tiny scoop, a large handful scoop, or pinch her fingers together to signify a small amount,
Even funnier was her definition of "a dash", "just a smidgen" and
"a scoop".
I still don't know how she measured and kept track of all the variations on her recipes.
They're in my sisters hands and we're looking for a some of the obscure recipes that I fear she never wrote down.

This dip in temperatures, celestial events, and fall in general bring back a flood of memories.
We used to gaze at the night sky in awe of the size of the constellations.
Especially the winter sky at night.  I considered the constellation "Orion the hunter" an old friend when it appeared in the winter sky.
She loved gazing at the great nebula in orion through a telescope.
Full of mystery and wonder, the night sky triggered a realization for her at how small we are in the universe and how we need to be better stewards of all that surrounds us.  She came up with that on her own.
Asteroid showers were probably her favorite celestial event.
She'd squeal with glee when a meteor blazed across the sky and wondered how long and far it traveled across space only to burn up during it's final journey to earth.

August 14th It's her birthday today.
I miss her saturday morning phone calls asking what errands I'd be running and if I could pick her up a few things.
I miss her stories of her childhood.
I miss how she was scared of cats yet had a cat colony and had names and stories about each cat.
I miss the history of each family photo that she'd recount while looking through photo albums.
I miss the visits to the Rockport historical cemetary where she'd walk around and tell me stories of the family and friends buried there.
I miss seeing how children flocked to her.
I miss her exuberance for every holiday she celebrated.
I miss walking around nurseries and garden center picking plants.
I miss her rolling her eyes at my crazy ideas.
I miss everything about her.
This day is louder than hell is hot and and I'm keeping as busy as
humanly possible to get through it because I simply miss her so much.

August 11th, Their anniversary.
They met at a young age I think at 12 or 13 and were married when she was 15 and my dad 16.
They were together forever.  Aside from some trips for work or an occasional hunting trip, they were together all the time.
Every anniversary My dad would arrive with a huge bouquet of roses, a card and cake, pie or some other dessert.
On one anniversary I decided to cook a huge dinner.
*All* food groups were represented! It took me days to get everything together, shrimp, fish, chicken, beef, vegetables, salad, dessert.  I took the day off from work to start cooking and had everything ready by that afternoon.  Family and friends dropped by and some were speechless, in a good way.  Or maybe not, the kitchen was a disaster but the food was great.
At the end of the day, I was starting to clean and wash dishes....
Of course, she had her own way of washing and cleaning and just looked at me, rolled her eyes and said....."I'll do it..."
She took control of my disaster and I became the assistant in cleaning up my delicious mess.

I enjoyed taking day trips across Texas. I'd always return with gifts from  where ever I was for my parents, usually food or plants.

Yesterday was no different, I awoke early and the first thought I had was "OK, what will i bring back for..." The sad reality washed over me like a small ship in a hurricane.  All day I tried to enjoy my trip to Waco for a leather craft show.  It was the way back home that was difficult.  I'd usually make notes of the nurseries and bakeries that I planned to stop at and pick some surprise that would make her clap her hands, cover her face and then whisper "what did you get me!?!".

She was like a little girl on Christmas morning when looking at plants I'd bring back and opening a box of delicious baked pastries that I brought back.

With each garden shop, nursery or stand selling plants I'd pass a wave of sadness passed over me.

I avoided them all, lest the tears flow uncontrollably.
I presented my Father with a gift of roasted, coated pecans.
All night long I remembered all her reactions from each trip I took.
 There were, of course, numerous plants, some stained glass works, numerous bags and boxes of pastries and she was happy for each one.

One summer at our ranch, my dad had gone into town for groceries and to visit a friend. She and I went out for a walk.  We watched in awe as huge menacing clouds rolled over the town of San Diego , .
The lightning lit the clouds from within and the thunder was heard and felt from where we watched.
Larger and closer the clouds approached us, we were so taken by the spectacle, it wasn't till the cold breeze hit us that we realized we needed to take cover.
She smiled as we rushed back to the safety of the trailer underneath the tin roof, just as we made it, the clouds rushed above us and the downpour started.
Her face was beet red from the mad dash and she smiled and laughed as she caught her breath and exclaimed "That was close!"

She loved the sound of rain on a tin roof.  At our small ranch we built a large tin roof with enough space to park the mobile home beneath and still plenty more room for parties and several cars.
Whenever it would rain she'd rush outside, pull up a chair, stretch her legs onto a table and listen to the enchanting sound of the rain on the roof.
A simple pleasure that meant so much to her,

At the end of each school year some of the local television stations show graduation pictures of local college and high school graduates.
The pics show the early photos of the graduates as youngsters side by side with the graduation photos.
She loved seeing these pics and always wondered what the future held in place for these graduates, and wished them well.

One year and one day since we laid her to rest and that day is forever burned into my memory.  The warm sunny day, friends and family gathered in the  funeral home chapel and the solemn path to the final resting place.
Most of all I remember the mockingbirds.
They seemed to accompany us and sing all their stolen songs for her.
She loved those birds so much.

The end of the school year  brings back so many memories.
The promise of a summer break and all the adventures we'd have.
She'd drive us to swimming lessons at Collier park, Parkdale library for the reading club, running around the neighborhood.
When we were young there were mandatory afternoon naps.
For some reason the drone of the airplanes practicing touch and go landings at a nearby air strip always lulled me into a deep sleep.
I remember one of the last things I'd hear was her tiny foot steps from the hall when she'd peek on my sister and I falling asleep.
More recently she and my father served as cafeteria parents at my nieces schools.  They told me at the end of the year how the children would run up to them and tell them how much they'd be missed over the summer.  So many children referred to them as "Grandma" and "Grandpa"....

Easter was so special to us.
My sister and I received baskets from our Mom well into our adulthood.
My nieces and other children received gifts of toys, candy and clothes.
She enjoyed hiding the eggs and was overjoyed watching the hunt for the eggs and the "cascarones"  being cracked and confetti spread into the hair of everyone around.
The Sunday meals were huge! With the center stage being her delicious potato salad! Never mind the brisket, chicken, sausage and all the other dishes, it was her potato salad that we craved.
We'd eat and then relax around the living room and drift off into a peaceful sleep only to wake up and head to the kitchen for more potato salad.

St. Patricks day was one of her favorites.
She loved Irish lore and history.
A few days before she passed, she and my father watched "The Quiet Man" three times.
I'm positive it was for the sweeping views of the Irish country side and the accents.
She told me of "The San Patricio Brigade" the Irish fighters who fought in Mexico.
Whenever a street or monument in Mexico would be dedicated to this brigade, she bring it to my attention and remind me of their contribution.
She was also a *HUGE* fan of the "Fighting Irish" and watched all their games
The mailbox was adorned with a hanging plaque that read "Irish Blessings".
St. Patricks day was a sad one for us this year...

My God, one year and the sorrow has not subsided.
We miss her deeply, speak of her often, shed tears and wish we could turn back time. I welcomed the day with grief looming overhead.  When I stepped out to start the day I heard mockingbirds.  One of her favorite song birds.
Early morning at the cemetery, I spoke in a quivering voice to her.
Family news, animal rescue, and how much I missed her were my topics.
The whole time I heard the mockingbirds in the trees, singing their songs that only they could learn from other birds and sing one right after another.
I was grateful that they sang so loudly on this day of deep mourning and make the day a little easier.

I'm always amazed how progressive my parents were with us.  I'd bring home obscure, outrageous, or avant-garde music or videos and we'd watch them together..."Sub pop video network program 1 and 2", Frank Zappa, Fellini films, German pop punk art band - Trio, and it was observed and commentary made.
She fell in love with "Trio" a German punk art rock band, with some of their gentle lullaby songs she'd sing along with them and use them to help children get to sleep, or gently wake up.
One newscast we watched told a story of a scandal in a high school basket ball team.  She looked at me and said "Remember 'The basketball diaries'?" I said, "I was thinking the same thing..."

The days grow longer, spring is near.  There is soil to be turned, weeds to be pulled, and seeds and plants lovingly placed in the earth.
This year will be bitter sweet as with each seed, each plant, and shovel full of dirt, I'll remember her sage advice on gardening.  In simple terms and words.....
One of the last adventures I told her was my wild cattle panel arbor all along on the sidewalk leading to my porch.  I told her of my plans for growing tomatoes, loofah, gourds and other vines....she stopped me and said...
"What about the hummingbirds?"
I added two hummingbird attractors to the mix of plants.
After the record breaking heat withered and killed most of the vines and the freeze even more, only the hummingbird attractors survived.
I'll be sure they get extra care this season.
I also saved some of the seed pods from her favorite type of plant, the "Cape Honeysuckle".
Those will grow in various spots around the yard for hummingbirds to nourish themselves on their long journeys.

Valentines Day came and went.
There were always roses on that day with a card and a box of chocolates that my sister and I would devour.
The roses always brought her great joy.
Later when I grew up and learned how much she liked cherry pie, I'd pick up a fresh cherry pie from a bakery and present it to her.
Eventually I'd start bringing her cherry pies and Irish soda bread every once in awhile, two of her favorite delicacies.
She is very deeply missed.

During the cold days of winter she was planning for spring.  years ago a sunday newspaper circular always included two pages of ads for a plant / seed company.  She'd read all the entries about each seed packet and plant description and on warmer days flower beds were turned and aerated, rose bushes planted, 
During the windy days of spring she'd say that nature was waking up. 
Soon enough her roses started to grow and Gladiolas started to stretch upward from a long slumber.
She'd nourish her plants with water, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells and other organic ingredients.
The roses were rich in fragrance, gladiolas straight and strong and the hibiscus were loud and proud.

My mother and "Otto" , she loved him and he loved her!
Otto passed on Jan 15 2023, and she on May 21, 2023.
Both gentle souls, he amazed us all by his love and nurturing of all the kittens we rescued and fostered.
She always remarked how he would be a great father.
I believe they are together with all others who passed.

Empathy was one of her strengths.  Whether speaking with a child, adults or caring for animals.  She had the gift to understand the feelings of others and knew what to say, do, or just listen.
A friends mom passed this past week and it brought a flood of memories and emotions. 
During these times of sorrow my mother made arrive with floral arrangements of her own making, food for friends and family and a shoulder and ear for survivors.
I think back of all the times she arrived like a shining light in a time of sorrow or difficulty and made things better for those around her.
Her ability to help  and understand others was so natural for her, whether at her various jobs or career, around the neighborhood, friends and family, and yes even nature.....

I discovered J.R.R. Tolkein at a young age and read "The Hobbit" and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
I'd leave the books laying around the house and she was always telling me to "Put up those books!!"
Fast forward to the release of the "Fellowship of the Ring" movie in 2001.  She saw it and that lit a huge fire within her for all of Tolkeins works.  She read everything he ever wrote and became an expert on all the mythos of "Middle Earth" and any other stories Tolkein wrote.
If there was a news item about some new book of previously unreleased material, letters, or unfinished stories , she'd ask me to get her a copy.
One day I reminded her of all the times she'd order me to "Put up those books".  I told her they were Tolkeins writings.
I got the "clint eastwood" stare and she said....well you should have put them away!
She was also a huge "walking dead" fan.  When I told her it was a graphic novel before a t.v. show, I was dispatched to Barnes & Noble to get all the graphic novels. 
It was quite a sight to see my mom reading "graphic novels" a fancy term for "comic books"....

Christmas Day, a difficult day for sure.
A flood of memories rushing forth...
The dead branch that was painted white and became our Christmas Tree.  Another Christmas morning had her dancing around the house to Paul Mcartneys "Ram" album, Christmas Day parties at various relatives homes, Christmas Days spent at "The ranch" out in the wilderness.  All the cooking, phone calls, reminders to neighbors to drop by, a whirlwind of activity and when the day was done she and my dad putting my sister and I to bed.
I pray that I can dream of those days often and vividly.

These Christmas specials, the classic ones, Charlie Brown, The Grinch, and a few others that are rarely shown now days, were special to her.  We'd watch these together.  If I wasn't there, she'd call me to remind me when these shows were being aired.
They're a little difficult to watch now.  I remember her laughing at Snoopys antics, commenting on how Boris Karloff was the perfect narrator for The Grinch and so on.
She also loved driving around to see the decorated houses around the city.
They were magical times...

On these cold wet dreary days in early November she was like a beacon in the darkness.  Halloween decorations weren't completely put away and Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations were being unpacked.  The house was scented with new recipes and old favorites .  Soups, stews, chicken pot pies, tamales, cakes, and other culinary delights warmed us on the coldest days.  She didn't forget about the animals, hummingbird feeders were well maintained for the late stragglers and shelters were renewed and new ones built for the cats in the neighborhood.

Halloween, one of her favorite holidays! She and my Dad put on several parties that are still remembered by friends and family.
Through out the years her costumes were admired by all.  A neighbor spoke to me last week and fondly remembered how she decorated the house and passed out candy in different costumes each year and each year she'd recall memories of previous halloweens.
I kept up her tradition of making sure neighborhood children had a special bag.  This year there was only one.
Through watery eyes and unsteady hands I type these words.
She is deeply missed with each beat of my heart.

Today, August 11 2023 is their 60th anniversary.
In these last few minutes of this day I remember how each year my dad would show up with a card, flowers and a gift.
She'd say something about not making a fuss, but I saw how she treasured the  gesture.
For their 40th I cooked a huge meal, beef, chicken, shrimp, various side dishes and a salad.  It took about three or four days of prep work, Each day she'd act like it was too much ado about nothing but on August 11th I over heard her on the phone telling some friends about the huge dinner I made and how good it was.
From time to time I'd say..."Remember when I made all the dishes for your anniversary?"  She roll her eyes and say "Yes!"
Theirs was a teenage wedding, forever young and forever in love....

Time does not heal all wounds, with every beat of my heart I miss her...

She always had a youthful appearance!

In junior high she'd pick me up from school if she had the day off.
One morning a guy asked for the name of my sister and what high school she went to!
In high school I loved to drive and would take her shopping, one day in the school cafeteria another guy asked...brace yourselves....
So, who's your girlfriend you were buying a dress with?

My parents always had good music available and she could sing!
Old gospel songs, mariachi music, beatles songs, broadway tunes...
One late night I arrived at "the ranch" and heard a beautiful acapella mariachi song at one of their many gatherings of friends and family.
I made my way to the gathering and there she was!
On top of a picnic table, her arms outstretched , looking skyward singing unaccompanied in that beautiful voice.
She finished her song and amid the applause stepped down from the table and made her way to me to make sure I had food and drink...

1st PTA meeting 1971! All the moms looked like Mrs. Cleaver.
My mom showed up with my sister on her hip.  Her Jeans tucked in her tall moccasins, wearing a natural cotton tunic and some type of rope belt as a cinch, her long hair flowing naturally.  The kids were staring at her.  One of my classmates whispered.  "Who is that girl"..
"That's my mom!" was my reply.
Always radiant and beautiful....

She loved her plants.
In recent years she wasn't able to  do as much outside as she wanted to. 
I vow to change that and bring back the yard to  its former glory.
In this south Texas heat she created a lush relaxing space outside.
It was so inviting  that I spent a lot of time outside under a tree or sitting next to a bush reading books.
I went and picked a copy of Aesops Fables today.
I remember that as the first book she read to me and my sister when we were young children.
I'm sure there were others before that, I wish I could remember.....

She was pretty good with a rifle.  My dad and I were cleaning a fence line at our ranch one hot summer morning.
We heard a volley of shots ring out in the direction of our mobile home we stayed in.
We dropped what we were doing and got back to the trailer real fast.
My mom had decided to do some target practice without letting us know first.
We pulled up and she had the rifle in hand pointing at some beer cans  she had blasted away.
She was proud of her accuracy and said "Pretty good! Huh!?!"
We started laughing and said to tell us next time before she started shooting.

TO THE TERESA DOMINQUEZ FAMILY: MAY SHE REST IN PEACE-----MAY OUR GOD OF ALL SENT HIS ANGELS TO COMFORT HER BEAUTIFUL FAMILY AND LOVED ONES---PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS ARE GOING YOUR RIGHT NOW---

Dear Ruben and Family,

Our deepest condolences.   May God grant you strength during this difficult time.   May the memories we shared bring you comfort.  Terry was such a lovely, kind, intelligent soul and we will sincerely miss our conversations and her friendship.  

Love,
Rosie & Andy Lara

My mother spoke up for those who had no voice or didn't know how to speak up.  Whether stray cats or dogs, children at our schools, or someone downtrodden. 
Her words and deeds were of great comfort and guidance to many.

Teri,

I was so fortunate to have you as my dear friend. After our retirement we continued our friendship and support for each other.  I will miss our talks and the special times we had at art class. I already miss you so much. You will have a special place in my heart. Rest in peace.  M Pensyl

I was so sadden to hear about Terry’s passing. I have so many great memories of working with her at the Corpus Christi State School. She was always in good mood, always bragging about her husband Reuben and kids, Roland and Lisa. She will be missed! God is in every detail and I look forward to seeing Terry in heaven in Jesus’s presence. Oh what a happy day. 
Until we meet again Theresa! 

Fred Glazener, DDS

Teri and family have always supported others during their time of need.  I will always be grateful for the help she provided during my times of loss.  The help Teri and family have provided others will eternally be remembered.  Teri left her mark in this world and will be greatly missed.  The Cantu Family sends their deepest condolences during this time of loss.  

Mom,
I'm listening to the birds outside that you loved watching and listening to.  I hear the mourning doves, a mockingbird and the faint squeak of a hummingbird passing by.
Through watery eyes I will always think of you when I hear birds.

I will miss you so much My Teri, you were not just my neighbor, but my dearest friend,  another Mom, and Grandma for my boys. I thank you so much for taking care of my boys when I had to go to work and being there for them when they needed you. I will miss our talks that we had, especially of me venting to you. I could just hear you say " Ay Rose", then smile at me.  I will miss your cooking and I will miss cooking for you. Don't worry I will still cook for Mr. D.  I always told you that God put me here for a reason,  MY D"S are the reason! I love you so much Teri, Mr.D, King Roland, Lisa, Corinne, Laura , and Lee.  ALL of you are family to me. Teri is now in peace. God bless you always.

She loved her Collies, Dolores and Sebastien.
The console stereo behind her played hundreds of records that she sang along to in her pitch perfect voice.
She also loved to sing and would wake up me and my sister with a perfect rendition of "Oh what a beautiful morning" from the musical "Oklahoma".

Blowing balloons for a party at the  "Corpus Christi State School" for the residents there, circa 1979


Celebrating a St Patrick's Day theme party at the Falcon's home.

I have many memories of my Tia Terry but what I remember most of all is that she had a beautiful glow about her. She helped decorate Robert and I's wedding reception. She's the one who showed me how to decorate a wreath out of cloth pieces.  I liked the cool punch drinks she'd make. I remember when my aunt showed me her newly remodeled kitchen and how much she enjoyed looking at it! Also remember the sweet tasting oranges she grew, and I happen to be in town to enjoy them. I was blessed to see her at the birthday parties she'd come to for my parents. My favorite picture was one done in March and she and my uncle participated in the photo props.  You will be dearly missed Tia! I know you're in heaven with your mom and brothers and sisters.  Love you always, Robert and Patricia Medrano

I met Terry at Corpus Christi State School in 1986.  During the next 11 years we worked side by side and became close friends.  I remember her quick laughter and sweet smile.  Terry was gentle and kind.  She loved to talk about her family, her dogs, and, in later years, her many stray cats.  She laughed and told me, "Michelle, you know that I don't like cats ! But I have lots of cats now and have even named them!"  She knew their personalities and their schedule.  In the past 2 years, she would surprise me with a phone call and we would talk about many things including her health.  She always had a good sense of humor and wonderful zest for life.  She will be missed !  It was a blessing to have called her my friend.  

OBITUARY

Teresa F. Dominguez

August 14, 1946 – May 21, 2023

Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services