Mary Theresa "Terry" Vasquez

1949 - 2025

Mary Theresa "Terry" Vasquez
November 9, 1949 - October 5, 2025
Terry was #6 of 9 children born to Reyes G. Schultz and Maria Del Refugio "Mary Ruth" Montez. Terry was a diligent student and could often be found in the library at Fox Technical High School in downtown San Antonio, Texas. It was in the library where Juan, her husband of 55 years, did not swoop Terry off her feet with the line "You have the biggest tomato eyes I have ever seen." It was not love at first sight (at least for Terry), but after Juan's persistence the couple dated, attended Senior Prom, San Antonio College (SAC) and had a life together full of love and dedication to each other, their family, and the many people from all walks of life that they encountered in their journeys. Terry and Juan never left each other's side.
Terry was an incredibly kind and selfless advocate. During her nursing career of over 50 years, she advocated for many causes and was a member of many professional and civic associations focusing on nursing, long-term caregivers, numerous charitable organizations, and Latina causes. She would also periodically donate her hair for cancer patients. She also wrote two books - "Mi Mamacita Tiene Alzheimer's", sharing her story caring for her mother with Alzheimer's in an effort to help others caring for loved ones with the disease; and "From the Texas Cotton Fields to the United States Tax Court: The Life Journey of Juan F. Vasquez" (co-authored with Anthony Head). Terry was also in the process of writing a book about the journey of her daughter-in-law, Judge Veronica Vasquez, Bexar County Probate Court #2.
Terry was a fighter and had a passion for life. In 2007, Terry was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, which almost took her life. Terry survived and thrived, beating all of the odds that predicted she would have a shorter life, including when the disease developed in 2023 to the more serious PNH. The specialists at MD Anderson (to whom Terry is eternally thankful, especially Dr. DiNardo) called Terry a miracle and used her as a case study.
Terry loved her two sons, her eight grandchildren and her daughters-in-law immensely, and their lives and accomplishments were the subject of many conversations with family and friends. Terry was also a devout Catholic and her and Juan attended service every Sunday, even while traveling. Terry will be missed dearly, and we pray that the hole in our hearts may be filled by her irresistible and irreplaceable love and joy.
Terry is preceded in death by her parents Reyes and Mary Ruth and siblings Robert and Sylvia. She is survived by her husband Juan, her son Juan Jr. and daughter-in-law Tania, her son Jaime and daughter-in-law Veronica, her grandchildren Claire, Maryn, Juan III, Lauren, Daniella, Viviana, Jonathan and Juan Pablo, and her siblings Pat, Carol, Ray, Maria Guadalupe, Elizabeth, and Ray Anthony.
The family will receive friends from 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m., Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary – McCullough (1101 McCullough Avenue), with a Rosary to follow at 6:30p.m.A Funeral Procession will leave Porter Loring Mortuary – McCullough on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 9:30a.m. for the Mass of Resurrection at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at San Fernando Cathedral (115 Main Plaza). Due to San Fernando Cathedral's downtown location and parking, it is recommended to join the procession beforehand that will leave the mortuary at 9:30 a.m.Interment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery II. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (www.aamds.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) in memory of Mary Theresa Vasquez.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com