Teresa Zavala

Teresa Zavala was born in 1928, in Mexico City, Mexico. As a young girl, her life was not easy. She went to work at an early age to help her single mother and siblings. With a grade school education, one might think that her life would have been full of limitations. However, Teresa could not be deterred. She married her first and true love, Raul Zavala, with whom she had two wonderful boys. Her love for that man opened her world to a life in another country, the United States. It did not matter that she did not speak the language. She learned enough to find her way and create a beautiful home and life for those she loved. Las Vegas became a place where she truly shined. She founded the Mexican American Club in the fifties that created a welcoming community for other Latin American immigrants whose friendships still exist today. She started a successful business, Connie and Teresa’s Custom Drapes. Her free time was dedicated to volunteering and building up the Seventh Day Adventist church, spiritually and literally, for the Spanish-speaking community. Even the local jail honored her for spending countless hours sharing her kindnesses and faith with the incarcerated. Her energy was endless. Even with so many responsibilities, she always made time to care for not only her children, but also her grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren. She would play, watch movies, go to the park, sing, and dance, anything to bring love and happiness into the regular moments in life. However, even Las Vegas could not contain her. Teresa loved to travel. She visited almost all of the countries in Europe, went to Israel, and countless beaches to satisfy her love of the ocean. No matter if she was at home, about town, or travelling, she was a kind, vivacious, and friendly person that left whoever met her with a smile. We have all been fortunate to have known her. She is leaving behind sons, Raul and Carlos, her daughter in law, Malena, grandchildren, Suzy and Daniel, great grandchildren, Marley, Bella, Weston, Lily, and Zane, and new members of the family, Jesse and Cameron. She has taught us well, in words and by example, so that while her body may have expired, her spirit will continue in the way those she so loved will honor her.