Teresa V. Curiel

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Teresa V. Curiel, on November 18, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family while hand in hand with the love of her life Raul Curiel.

Born in Vado, New Mexico to Felix and Juanita Villa, she made quite the entrance as she was born in a cotton field. Teresa was the youngest and only daughter of Felix and Juanita and grew up amongst several siblings. After enduring the loss of her mother at a very young age, she learned the perseverance and tenacity she would need to proceed through life, and into motherhood, overcoming any challenge that came her way.

One of her greatest joys in life was becoming a mother, and in 1954 she began motherhood with the birth of her son Bennie. Shortly thereafter he was joined by Daniel, Louie, Michael, Teriann, and Ruthie. Teresa cherished her children and showed them true unconditional love.

In 1972 she met Raul Curiel Jr., whom she fell in love with and united in marriage on November 15, 1975. Through marriage Teresa was joined with Cindee, Raul, Sophia, and Edward whom she loved.

While their family grew, Teresa embraced many different roles within the private and public sectors where her heart for service shined through. Teresa was accomplished as a licensed vocational nurse, librarian for the city of San Jose, foster parent, and most notably as an in-home day-care provider for over 30 years. Her work with children became her passion and she affectionately became known as Grandma Teri, to which she was incredibly proud.

With a commitment to opening her home and caring for children, Teresa and Raul Jr. extended their love to Trisha, Henry, and Margaret and completed their family. Together they were raised as their own, exemplifying once again what it means to demonstrate unconditional love.

As years passed and the family expanded in numbers, Teresa developed special relationships with each one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As the matriarch of her family her expressions of love, admiration, wisdom, quick wit, and ability to embrace those with differences made everyone want to be in her presence. She could capture attention by telling stories of family history or make you belly laugh as she spoke enthusiastically of going to Tachi and winning at bingo.

Having built a legacy for years to come, Teresa is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 50 years Raul Curiel Jr., children Bennie Porter, Daniel Porter, Michael (Helen) Porter, Teriann (Jorge) Castillo, Ruthie (Sonny) Good, Cindee Curiel, Sophia Curiel, Edward Curiel, Trisha Curiel, Henry Curiel, and Margaret Curiel (Alex), There are grandchildren 23 and great grandchildren 38, along with sisters Mickie and Fannie, and brothers Albert and Vincent. Preceded in death by her mother and father, Juanita and Felix Villa, brothers Gene Villa, Gonzalo Villa, Joe Villa, and Willie Villa, sons Raul Curiel & Louie Porter, and great-granddaughter Everly Hart Ward.

Until the day you share just one more kiss with Grandpa, dance, dance peacefully up in the stars, share laughter with your brothers, make up for lost time with your sons, and cuddle sweet Everly for her Momma.

Viewing will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare, CA. Rosary will be held at St. Rita's Catholic Church located at 954 South O St., Tulare, CA on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 9:30am following with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am followed by interment at the North Tulare Public Cemetery located at 4572 North J St., Tulare, CA.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.