Teresa Sandoval Vallin De Anda (Addison, IL) was encircled in love when her heart stopped beating, losing her battle with COVID. At her passing, her daughters were in the room with her, both in person and on video, as was as her son-in-law, grandchildren, and closest friends. She died January 30, 2022 at 7:00 PM. She is survived by her daughters; Maria De Lourdes (Ron), Soledad Ivon, Diana, Tiffany and Adriana; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Teresa was born February 10, 1952 in the town of Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico to Camarino Sandoval and Maria Dolores Sandoval Vallin. She was a brave and faithful woman who left Teocaltiche at age 18 to join her husband in Acapulco. In the winter of 1971, they moved to Chicago and shortly after, their first child was born.

Her warrior spirit carried her through a near fatal head-on collision in 1985.  With five young daughters at home, her spiritual faith and love for her children was all she needed to persevere. She dedicated her life to her family and to honor God.

Teresa was known as ‘The Baby Whisperer.’ She epitomized the roles of caretaker and playmate. In addition to rearing over a dozen children in her own family, she was grafted into the families she worked for as well. Many considered her a parent, sibling, or grandma. The uncanny way she recognized what you needed – usually, even before you did – left you feeling seen and understood. Being around children fostered her playful nature; she could be found down on the ground playing alongside children, not just monitoring from above. Often, they would awake from a nap to find elaborate LEGO villages and train track systems which transported them to another world.

With high schoolers at home, her tenacious spirit was inspired to pursue a college degree in Interior Design. Her dedicated nature continued as she worked all day and attended classes at night. But, life pulled her back into her caretaker role. This time, she was looking after the needs of elderly and adult loved ones. That being said, she would offer decorating and home renovation advice, if you needed it.

With a heart of contribution, she did not hesitate to use her hands and creativity where needed. At church, she was found volunteering with the children’s programs, the nursery or church bookstore. At home, she always had a tool in hand. She fabricated repairs with a DIY attitude and used her creativity to sew clothing, create crafts and design quilts. Early in the days of the pandemic, she set aside her Painted Pot Heads projects to sew hundreds of masks to help protect the community.

Teresa's helping hands and loving arms have changed this world. Her memory will be forever treasured in the hearts of those who had the pleasure to  know her. 

Teresa’s Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM at the Wilder Mansion, 211 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126. The service will be followed by a time of reflection, prayer and song, just steps away at the Wilder Park Conservatory, 225 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/teresa-de-anda/obituary/

Copy