Teresa Maria "Terry" Rookard

1925 - 2025

Centenarian Teresa Maria "Terry" (Padilla) Rookard of Sequim, Washington, passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 23, 2025, at her residence. She was 100.

A Funeral Service will take place Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel in Sequim. A Graveside service will immediately follow at Gardiner Cemetery.

Teresa was born May 5, 1925, in Española, New Mexico, to Jesus and Maria Padilla. In her younger years, Terry began her career working at a small medical clinic in Española, New Mexico, where her kindness and dedication were evident even extending to providing home care for a local couple. She later worked in a grocery store, a place that became especially meaningful as it was where she first met the love of her life, Wilbert Rookard, who would later become her husband.

As a devoted military wife, Terry carried the strength of two roles, both as mother and father, during Wilbert's deployments, guiding and raising their family with love and resilience. After his retirement, she stood by his side once more as owners and operators of Rookard's Hardware, which grew into a proud family hardware business.

Terry was a woman of many talents. She learned how to decorate cakes with care, mastered Chinese cooking, and sewed clothes for her four children. Yet, her greatest joy came through quilting. She poured love into every blanket she made-gifting them to family and generously donating many to her Catholic church for newborn babies.

Teresa is survived by her four children Earl Rookard, Carmella (Kelly) Quinn, Esther (Matt) Baad and Willy Rookard. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by both parents and her husband Wilbert Rookard, who passed away in 2006.

Teresa was a devoted Catholic woman of deep faith, who could always be found with her rosary in hand, lifting up prayers for her family, friends, and all in need.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that everyone reach out and accept the Lord.

Sequim Valley Chapel is honored to serve the family. Please visit sequimvalleychapel.com to leave treasured memories for the family-(360) 683-5242.