Teresa Ponce Sanchez

Teresa Ponce Sanchez better known to us as “Mama”, “Abuelita”, “Tere”, “Teresita” and more, passed away on December 28, 2020 at 1:03 a.m. in her daughter’s home in Oceanside, CA. She had two children, six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She also had many nephews and nieces that she dearly loved. Teresa lived a full life first in Juarez, Chihuahua. Later, she moved to El Paso and finally, she settled in her beloved Los Angeles, CA.

As a mother, she loved both her children and was a young mother to her daughter—a young woman who grew in age and knowledge alongside her daughter and loved her with a youthful energy. Later, as a middle aged woman, she welcomed her beloved son.  She loved him with an abiding passion, the kind that understood the value of relationship and loyalty. They were a team banded together against the harsh realities of life.

From these children, sprouted many grandchildren. Teresa loved each of her grandchildren in a special way and she often had a special nickname that she bestowed upon them. Her love was demonstrated in her desire to be involved in every aspect of their lives and her always present cooking. You could always count on delicious tacos, mole, or enchiladas at her house. She always prepared your favorite meal before your arrival!

Her blessings extended far beyond her natural children and grandchildren. She had many adopted grandchildren. So many of her friends and the children of her nieces and nephews were special to her. Those children revered her like a grandmother and in many instances called her “Abuela” and even “Tia-Abuela”. She loved them just as dearly.

Her community of neighbors and her long residence at Camino Al Oro was so meaningful to her. In fact, she loved her apartment, loved her neighbors and enjoyed the friendships that community provided. Her neighbors and friends supported each other in so many beautiful ways including feeding one another, providing emotional support, and even enjoying dances in the Community Center of Camino Al Oro. They were tight-knit and watched over one another.

If you ever visited her home, you know that she leaves behind many trinkets that were valuable and sentimental to her. If you’re looking for more coffee mugs than any single person can use, crafting items up the wazoo or random bedding, you’ll find a trace of her with all her neighbors and friends.

Her most cherished items included her large, international elephant collection. In her words, “Triste la calavera de la persona que me robé.” This can be loosely translated to “The person who robs me will find themselves very sad.”

She always had stories about her family fighting alongside Pancho Villa and then we found photos and other documentation supporting this claim. This explains where that fighting spirit comes from! Yet, she was pint size—100 lbs at 83. She had a huge heart for the needy, the homeless, and the abused. We’re proud of this legacy.

As her illness advanced, she was more grizzly than normal, but towards the last two months she found peace. Each night she would argue with her departed relatives, especially her godmother who raised her. Finally, one day she said that alongside her godmother all her brothers were waiting for her including her birth mother. In her final moments, she radiated a glow that can only be described as God's glory and true peace.

Our family would like to thank all those who provided love, food, medical support and so many other things for her. Your many visits, your thoughtful giving and your generous hearts were a testament of the beautiful relationships that Teresa fostered over the years but also the deep love and tenderness that was returned to her. Our family thanks each of you and prays a blessing upon you for all that you did. Each of you lived out Jesus’ commandment to “Love each other as I have loved you.”

Her children send this blessing from Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” May you each be rewarded according to God’s bountiful measure.

Lastly, her family would like to share Teresa’s favorite prayer with you so you may remember her:

“Angel de mi guardia no me abandones ni de noche ni de dia.”
Translation: “Guardian Angel, don’t abandon me by day or by night.”

Teresa will be cremated on February 3, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the guidelines for social distancing and group gatherings, there will be no viewing or live memorial at this time. The family encourages you to use this online obituary to share memories, photos and stories for all to read. A live memorial will be planned at a later date. Please share your mailing address if you would like to be informed of the future memorial.