Theresa M. Cabana

Escondido, CA - Theresa Margarite Cabana (97) was called to heaven by her Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at her home in Escondido, California where she has lived these past 6 years. Preceding her was her husband of 73 years, Adrien Joseph Cabana who went to heaven on Thursday, December 10, 2015.

Theresa was born May 8, 1923, in Nashua, New Hampshire and adopted shortly after birth by Odilon and Olida Fournier where she grew up the youngest with 4 brothers and 2 sisters. She told us her childhood was a happy one with her brothers and sisters doting on her and working to support her upbringing. She is the last of her generation, as her parents and siblings have preceded her to heaven.

Theresa is survived by her son Robert (Constance) Cabana of Tampa, Fl and daughter Louise (Herbert) Reutter of Escondido, CA, and her grandchildren; Heather (William) McIlmoil of Oceanside, CA; Daniel (Christy) Reutter of Fairplay, CO; Anthony (Kurri) Cabana of Bedford, NH and Joseph (Jennifer) Reutter of Maple City, MI. She was blessed knowing and enjoying her great grandchildren whom she dearly loved. She also leaves behind beloved Jersey, her forever faithful companion and rescue dog.

Theresa met Adrien when they were 16 and she invited him to her all-girls parochial high school prom. They were inseparable after that and on October 3, 1942, they were married, both at the age of 19. World War II caused the only separation between them in 1943 when Adrien was drafted (US Army Air Corp). Returning home unharmed he and Theresa started their family with Robert born in 1946 and Louise arriving in 1950. He joined the family business and they began a 30 year career at Cabana Sausage (Once Tried, Always Satisfied) with his Dad and two brothers Ernest and Leo. While raising their two children, Theresa was their bookkeeper and treasurer. Always good with figures, and of course her nun inspired handwriting, her books were accurate and impeccable works of art.

In 1977 they dissolved the business and after Adrien spent 10 years at Nashua Corporation he and Theresa retired to Plant City, Florida where they lived happily for 26 years. In April 2014, they moved in with their daughter and son-in-law in Escondido when Adrien’s health faltered.

Family and friends were very important to Theresa as she lent an ear to every voice and a kind word to every person she met. She kept in touch with family through her niece Monique and her son Robert who both called her often. Though she missed her husband and her Florida home she readily adapted to California life and seeing her great grandchildren every week. She went everywhere with Herb and Louise, became close to their friends and attended North Coast Church with them. She was even able to visit Hawaii for a week with Herb, Louise and their mutual friend Barb, which she absolutely loved!

Though beset by failing eyesight and frailty she continued to lead an optimistic life looking forward to breakfast everyday and interested in what each day brought. She loved going out to eat and forever told Herb to “put it on my card!” While McDonald’s was her favorite spot, she soon became a fan of Chick-Fil-A, In-N-Out, Burger Bench and Las Olas as well. Actually there wasn’t a restaurant she didn’t like and with great-granddaughter Genevieve’s urging came to love pizza as well!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a memorial service is not planned at this time. Theresa will interred at Miramar National Cemetery with her husband in their mausoleum niche.

We are forever grateful to her care givers; Jackie, Lucinda, Joanne and Romy of Caring Gracefully who lovingly cared for her and thank LightBridge for their outstanding palliative and hospice care. We want to thank our friends, neighbors and Life Group for welcoming Theresa into their lives and hearts. We are beyond grateful and blessed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to Meals on Wheels, a charity that was near and dear to Theresa’s heart.