Teresa Subia

Teresa "Teri" Subia was born in Los Angeles and passed away at the age of 89 years in Long Beach, California at the home of her daughter, Teresa, surrounded by the love and comfort of Teresa and nieces Sonia Subia and Juana Nunez.

Teri lived a life filled with love, hard work, triumph, and spirituality.

Teri attended parochial and public schools in Los Angeles. She studied piano for 13 years and listened to stories her mother told her about their ancestors in Mexico. Teri loved learning, remaining in contact with friends and teachers from elementary school. She was president of the Spanish Club in high school. When Teri's father passed away in her teenage years, Teri's mother Elisa, brother Manuel and she worked hard to make sure that all, including minor siblings John and Anna, had a path to success. Teri and her mother, brothers and sister shared a loving bond for the rest of their lives.

Teri married and had a daughter, Teresa. In the early 1960s, Teri started working in finance and banking and became Vice President of a major bank at a time when Latina women were not routinely invited into upper management. She was a founding member of the group "Hispanics in Banking," a role model for young women, and a mentor to many. Teri was recognized for her skills in human resources, her charming and gracious personality and sense of humor. During her professional climb, she supported her daughter Teresa through law school and entry into the Bar.

After retiring from banking, Teri became an executive officer at a non-profit corporation and under her leadership, hundreds of people receiving government aid were placed into full-time employment. Teri often said that this was her most rewarding work.

When Teri fully retired, she and her late husband, Bob, traveled throughout the USA, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and more. They loved dancing, West Coast jazz, major league baseball, spiritual studies, socializing with family and friends from Bob's military days, and spending time with their daughter Teresa at Spring Training, baseball games, spiritual events, and enjoying the arts.

Teri was also active in her retirement community with Senior Patriots for Peace, writing grants, authoring articles for a community newspaper, promoting an annual fundraising drive, and making stunning holiday baskets for silent auctions. Teri loved learning, teaching others what she knew and giving good advice. Her enthusiasm easily influenced others to have fun while becoming educated and making friends. During this time in her life, Teri took the stories her mother told her as a young girl and wrote, illustrated and self-published a book about four generations of her family. She enjoyed sharing these stories on many memorable visits with her sister, sister-in-law, nieces, and their children who regularly visited her from other states.

Teri is survived by her daughter, Teresa Danton; brother Manuel Subia and his wife Francia, sister Anna Jarvis, sister-in-law Rachel Subia; nieces Victoria Subia, Sonia Subia, Renee Gearhart, and Anna Thurman; nephews David Subia, Richard Subia and Robert Jarvis, and many extended family members in the USA and Mexico.

Teri was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gayton, brother John Subia (Rachel), brother-in-law Ray Jarvis (Anna), nephew Jon Daniel Subia and nephew Jeffrey Subia.

Teri's daughter says that no matter where she goes, people tell her: "I just love your mom!" "She is such a great lady!" "I would do anything for her!"

Teresa plans two memorial services for Teri, one in Texas and one in Southern California, with location and date to be announced later so that those in attendance may have the benefit of continued good health and comfort. Please contact Teresa Danton at (562) 305-2056 for further information.