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Theresa Jean Stewart October 10, 1972 – September 3, 2014 At age 41, Theresa’s 9 year battle against breast cancer came to an end. She is survived by Tim Stewart, her husband of 22 years; daughter, Danielle Stewart; son, Brandon Stewart; step-daughter, Vanessa Dixon (James) and 2 grandchildren; brother, Tom Verduzco (Ruth Reyna); parents, Daniel and Georgia Verduzco; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Theresa was raised in Clovis, California. As a toddler many will remember her little pig tails, ruffle pants, and a wiggle in her walk. She loved to dance and took lessons several years. Shaver Lake was like a second home where she spent time at the family’s cabin and at the lake. Water skiing and swimming were a favorite past time. She graduated from McLane High School in 1990 where she was on the volleyball, tennis, and diving teams. After High School she attended Federico’s Beauty College and earned her cosmetology license. She quickly became the favorite hair dresser for family and friends. Theresa married Tim Stewart, the love of her life, in 1992. They honored their vows to the very end. Tim was a kind, loving, and patient care giver when Theresa was in need. In addition to Tim’s first daughter, Vanessa, the family grew adding a daughter, Danielle, and a son, Brandon. Life was good. Quite often she was the hostess of many family and friend gatherings. Theresa loved going on family trips, Fresno State games, tail gating, bowling, playing games, and most of all she loved her family. In 2005, at the age of 32, her battle with breast cancer began. She was determined to beat the disease and live her life, raise her children, and not let cancer define her. Over the years she demonstrated an inner strength dealing with her surgeries and treatments and became a beacon of light and hope to others who faced this disease. She was a warrior. Theresa returned to school to earn her Bachelors degree. Amazingly, she did this during her cancer treatment and remission period. She received her teaching credential and taught math for Madera School District, and then Central School District. Last December she had no choice but to go on medical leave. This was devastating to her because she wanted to make a difference. She wanted to be in her classroom. She wanted to have a purpose. Little did she know that she had been serving a purpose for years by sharing her skills, encouraging others, setting an example to work hard to achieve goals, and live life well. As one friend said, “She's the teacher! Always was and always will be! Teacher of swimming, math, kindness and what a true friend is!” She was an inspiration to many. On our side we saw her take her last breath. On the other side the angels rejoiced, opened their wings and flew her to heaven. I’m sure it was a beautiful sight. All who knew her will remember her smile, laugh, love of life, inner strength, and perseverance. She was our precious angel on earth. The family would like to send a special thank you to her oncologist, Dr. Perkins, and staff, and her radiologist, Dr. Liu, and staff. She received excellent medical care during her years of treatment. A special thank you to Optimal Hospice who made it possible for Theresa to stay in the comfort of her own home and have family members near her at all times. She was well cared for and treated with respect. Thank you to Rod Lowrey, Fresno Police Chaplain, who offered help to the family in so many ways. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her honor to the to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265 or donor’s favorite charity.

Tributes

Theresa Jean Stewart

October 10, 1972 - September 3, 2014