Theresa Rose Cahill

Theresa Rose Cahill, known as Teri by her loved ones, passed away peacefully on Friday March 27, at her home in Century City. She was one hundred years old and surrounded by her adoring family. Teri was born, raised and lived her whole life in Los Angeles. A true Angeleno, Teri witnessed the city transform from a land of orange groves and farms to the sprawling metropolis it is today. Born in the city of Watts on August 10, 1925, she and her six siblings grew up during the Great Depression. She shared fond memories of riding the old street cars and then eighty years later was the first in the family to take a Waymo.

She met and married the love of her life, John T. Cahill upon his return from World War II. They had six children together- Linda, Janet, Thomas, Cynthia, Patricia, and Nancy. Teri took great pride in her family and prepared dinner every night for ten people including her beloved mother, Florence Bridget Roach who lived with the family. Jack and Teri were the life of the party and often hosted families and friends at their home, first on Cherokee Lane and then on Roxbury Drive. Teri delighted in creating magic for the holidays, pool parties and family functions. Famous for her chili, O’brien potatoes, lemon cake and deviled eggs, she was a gifted and gracious hostess. She was grounded in her Irish heritage and loved celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, made even more meaningful by the birth of her first great-grandchild on that day in 2011.

For Teri’s birthday every August 10th, the Cahill family packed a picnic from Jorgensen’s Deli and spent the day at Wood’s Cove in Laguna Beach, enjoying the sun, sand and waves. Teri always felt connected to the ocean. In her later years, her favorite place was her eldest daughter Linda’s home in Newport Beach, overlooking the bay where she would watch the boats. She also loved walks along the jetty in Marina del Rey and meals at her favorite restaurant, Geoffrey’s in Malibu.

Teri and Jack loved to travel, visiting many countries, but of their travels spending time at the Del Mar Racetrack and golf trips to Hawaii were their favorites. They traveled to New York for trunk shows for the family’s wedding dress business, and Teri was inspired by the city’s fashion and culture. She was always impeccably dressed and influenced her family and friends to present themselves with pride and confidence. Teri said the secret to staying youthful was filling the house with laughter.

Teri was a devout Catholic, a parishioner of Good Shepherd Catholic Church for seventy three years. All of her children attended elementary school at Good Shepherd school where she was room mother for several of the classes and president of the Good Shepherd altar society. Her heart swelled with pride when she traveled to Rome in 1988 to witness her son Thomas Cahill’s ordination by Pope John Paul II.

Sharp to the end, Teri evolved with the times. She kept up with tech advancements and enjoyed playing Words with Friends, scrolling her Instagram and asking Alexa to play her favorite songs and audio books; all on her treasured iPad, which she nicknamed Louis.

Constantly gifting and giving, Teri was always thinking of others and ways she could be supportive and of service. She had the ability to make everyone around her feel special, worthy and loved. Her warmth and kindness were felt by all of those that were lucky enough to have met her. She truly lived a life Jesus would be proud of. If you feel called to give in her honor, please donate to Epiphany Chapel 1925 East Baseline Road Phoenix, AZ 85402 [email protected].

Teri is survived by her cherished children, eleven blessed grandchildren, seven adorable great grandchildren, and many adored nieces and nephews. She will be joining countless beloved family and friends in Heaven.

Her family extends heart felt thanks to her team of amazing caregivers Norma, Carlo, Lynn and especially Noni Abergas, her devoted friend for over 20 years.

Teri showed us how to love and support one another and how to be present for the moments that matter. We will miss her charm, sweetness and quick witt, but most of all her unconditional love.