Theresa O Salazar

Theresa de Jesus Salazar. February 13, 1928- June 22, 2021. (93) Theresa, “Tita” as most people knew her, was born in Santa Fe and grew up in a historic home on Canyon Road. The story she told was that shortly after she was born her grandfather insisted that he raise her. She lived with him until his death and remained in the home with her aunt following his passing. Although she was raised by her aunt MaPolo, she lived happily among family and friends, with her siblings and parents living around the corner in a house on Delgado St.

She attended Loretto Academy for girls from first grade until graduating with the class of 1946. Two years later, she attended nursing school in Albuquerque but left without graduating. She aspired to be a clothing and fashion designer, and she spent much of her life sewing and doing alterations for a living. She worked at Pins and Needles with her mother. She also worked at La Tienda doing alterations and later, she would do alterations for the Country Store, before working strictly out of her home. She made wedding and fiesta dresses, baptism outfits, First Communion dresses, formal dresses and many outfits for loved ones, friends, and others throughout her life.

In 1965 she married her soulmate, Roman. They shared 47 years together until his death in 2012. One of their first dates was to a golfing range, a sport she knew nothing about. Needless to say, she took to the game naturally and it became her favorite pastime. She outplayed Roman on many rounds of golf, and she played regularly at the Santa Fe Country Club, winning many tournaments and trophies. She served a term as the president of the Ladies Golf Association. She was a voracious reader, loved watching old movies and knitted as well as she sewed, creating beloved treasures for nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents Augustin and Adelaida Olivas; brother, Gene Olivas; sister, Delores Olivas; her aunt Apollonia (MaPolo) Herrera; and her grandfather Nicolas Sena. She is survived by daughter Maria Feliz; son-in-law David Duran and granddaughter Lily; her sweet poodle, Bella, a couple grand-cats and a grand-doodle. She is survived by her sisters, JoAnn Urban and Marie Gutierrez (Joe); brother, Frank Olivas (Linda) and sister-in-law, Teresa Olivas. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, at Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa St., 505-984-8600. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 15, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi, 131 Cathedral Pl., 505-982-5619. Interment will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., 505-988-6400.

Per COVID recommendations, face coverings are highly recommended for those who are not vaccinated or eligible to be vaccinated.

The family would like to thank Del Corazon Hospice and Casa Rael for taking such good care of Theresa toward the end of her life. Donations in her name would be appreciated. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to support the golf team at St. Michael’s High School, 100 Siringo Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-983-7353.#

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