Theresa Susan Renteria
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Theresa's obituary
Theresa Renteria, born October 15, 1963, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2024. A woman of sharp intellect, fierce passion, and endless warmth, Theresa lived a life marked by purpose, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to education and community.
Theresa is survived by her sons, Nicolas Carrillo and Alejandro Carrillo, and her daughter-in-law, Lura Noyes. She is also deeply missed by her sisters, Helen Renteria and Rebecca Vasquez, along with her two beloved dogs, Olivia and Daisy. Her cherished husband, Charles Carrillo, preceded her in death just weeks earlier.
Theresa and Charles were married in 1990, a beautiful and enduring partnership that brought into the world their two sons in 1990 and 1996. Theresa was a proud UC Berkeley graduate, class of 1985, and a devoted educator for nearly four decades. Her legacy as a teacher is profound—impacting generations of students, some of whom entrusted their own children and grandchildren to her classroom.
Passionate about justice and equity, Theresa instilled in others the importance of giving back and the power of lifelong learning. She was known for her wit, her strong values, and her deep sense of care for those around her. Her wisdom and encouragement lifted others, and her impact extended far beyond the walls of any classroom.
Theresa’s greatest joys in life were her family, her students, and her commitment to making a difference. She will be lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Memorial Service for Theresa and her husband Charlie will be held on June 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Following this, we invite everyone to celebrate Theresa and Charlie’s lives at 12:00 PM at The Moose – San Jose Lodge 401.
We welcome all who knew and loved her to join us in honoring her extraordinary life and the legacy she leaves behind. Together, we will celebrate the strength, love, and wisdom she so graciously gave to her family, her students, and her community.
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For 20 years, Theresa and I taught together at Cassell. She was someone I admired and was a mentor when I first starte…
For 20 years, Theresa and I taught together at Cassell. She was someone I admired and was a mentor…
For 20 years, Theresa and I taught together at Cassell. She was…
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