Theresa Marie Sandoval

February 1, 1946 - January 1, 2005

Teaching was never just a profession to Tere, but rather a way to empower others by sharing her skills and talents. Having come from a large, caring and religious family, she understood the importance of accepting personal responsibility.

As a young teacher in Colorado, she heeded President Kennedy’s call for service and joined the Peach Corps. A gutsy, adventuresome, and very dedicated Tere served in El Salvador running a nutritional clinic.

After leaving the Peace Corps, Tere returned to teaching in Colorado. It didn’t take long before the “travel bug” hit, and her overseas career with DoDDS began. Assignments would take her to the Philippines, Korea, Iceland, Azores, Crete, and Italy.

Friends Tere met along the way in DoDDS remember a person of generous heart and spirit. Our memories are of a kind and thoughtful teacher who also cared about the families of her students. We remember a person who often prepared a hot farewell meal for a family leaving the area, who might lend financial assistance or provide tutoring support for a parent. Some may recall a cheerful babysitter or colleague who gave up sick days to help a co-worker in need.

While in the Azores, Tere was recognized as one of the base’s outstanding women. Her dry sense of humor, fascination with gadgets, wealth of trivia information, facility with languages, keen math ability, and curious nature blended into a very remarkable woman.

After retiring and returning to Colorado, Tere became licensed as a pharmacy technician. Unfortunately, illness prevented her from seeking work. Always true to her family roots, she spent the last weeks of her life as a volunteer through her church, teaching children of migrant workers.

To Tere, our dear friend and colleague who is already very much missed, we which you the “sweet dreams” of peace.

When my life is ending
And angels come to carry me home
I’ll be nestled in the arm of Jesus
Safe from pain and
Safe from tears and strife
Safe from outside

Theresa M. Sandoval