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Teresa A. Guadiana
Teresa A. Guadiana passed away on July 14, 2016 in the community of Visalia, CA where she called home for over 30 years. She is preceded in death by her beloved father, Ralph R. Guadiana, and nephew, Christopher Garcia.
Teresa leaves behind two sons, Juaquin and Christopher Guadiana; mother, Lorenza; sister, Patsy Damer; brothers, Kenny (Toni) and Ralph Guadiana; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles and aunts.
Teresa was born in December of 1961, in the tight knit copper mining community of San Manuel, Arizona. She was raised in San Manuel where her family, faith and community helped shape the beautiful soul and develop the values she carried throughout her life. Teresa graduated from San Manuel High School in 1979 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Arizona. In 1986, this small town girl headed west to Visalia, CA where she worked as a counselor at College of the Sequoias (COS) for 30 years. Teresa was active in community affairs, including serving as President of the League of Mexican-American women and as a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Teresa’s work at COS included advocating on behalf of first generation students, encouraging the creation and implementation of Chicano/Latino programs, and co-directing the award winning Puente project which has grown to over 65 colleges in California. Teresa was more than a counselor. She was a friend, a mentor, the person who gave words of encouragement when they were needed the most. She was humble, loving, caring, giving and genuine in every way.
Teresa enjoyed traveling with her beautiful young family, visiting nieces and nephews and her extended family. She was about seizing the moment and making memories with her family and friends with trips to the coast, dancing, and watching movies. She was passionate about her Catholic faith and proud of her Hispanic heritage. She was an avid sports fan and obsessed over her beloved U of A Wildcats. Her belief in people, students, family and friends helped her impact so many lives. The COS students she mentored were the inspiration for her profound work and dedication. She carved out a beautiful life, was the centerpiece of a wonderful family and created a legacy of work that left an everlasting impact in the community
Teresa was pure of heart, sincere and loving to all that crossed her path and will forever be missed by students, faculty, family and friends.
Services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in San Manuel, Arizona at 10 a.m., with potluck reception to follow.
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