Theresa Amelia Reza passed away at the age of 69, on Saturday, April 29, 2023 in Chandler, Arizona. She was born to Emmanuel Serrano Sr. and Stella Ruiz on October 13,1953 in Concord, California and is the eldest of eight siblings.
Theresa grew up in Concord, CA where she attended Williams Elementary and Mount Diablo High School. In 1970, the family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. Theresa would go on to graduate from South Mountain High School in 1972. In 1974, she met Johnny E. Reza Jr. at a family party. Three months later, they were wed at St. Anthony Catholic Parish.
Marriage would bring two years of fulfilling and wonderful adventures. In 1976 she gave birth to her only child, Johnny, and decided to take a leave of absence from work to become a homemaker. In 1978 she decided to return to work at Motorola on the production line. Shortly after returning to work, she started to attend night classes at Rio Salado College to become an Administrative Assistant. In the mid 80's she graduated with her Associates of Arts Degree. Shortly after she accepted an entry level Administrative Assistant position. She returned to school at the University of Phoenix and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. During her 26 years at Motorola, she promoted to the highest administrative position of Executive Administrative Assistant.
Theresa loved dancing, baking, traveling, music, movies, going to the casino, and hanging out and laughing with family and friends. She always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family and will always be remembered as selfless, passionate, generous, amiable, radiant and ambitious. Theresa greeted you with a smile, even when times were tough. She had a quiet strength and never complained about her pain, consistently keeping a positive attitude and looking forward to a better future.
Theresa was ever calm and serene in her Catholic faith. From her childhood forward she had a special place in her heart for Santo Nino De Atocha and Saint Peregrine. Her character and temperament can best be shown from the time she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in May of 2022 until her passing into heaven. Theresa had every right to cry, be mad, or even fall into deep depression after her diagnosis, but instead fought, loved and lived every moment given, neither hard times nor cancer would rob her of who she was. Theresa remained graceful, until God called her home to be with her mother and father.
She is survived by her son Johnny S. Reza III, daughter in-law Rocio G. Reza, granddaughter's Angelica M.T. Reza, Angelina M. Reza, grandson Johnny G. Reza IV, 7 siblings, (Olga Gonzalez, Amelia Valenzuela, Emmanuel Serrano Jr., Rosemarie Serrano, Juan Serrano, Stella Nieto and Leticia Serrano-Moreno) 18 nieces and nephews, 29 great nieces and nephews.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
A visitation for Theresa will be held Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. A funeral mass will occur Monday, May 8, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St Gregory Catholic Parish, 3424 N 18th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015. A committal service will occur Monday, May 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 9925 W Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Greenwoodmemorylawn.com for the Reza family.
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