Teresa Tobin

TERESA TOBIN
 
San Diego, Texas

With one final deep and satisfied breath, Teresa Tobin, 90, passed away on Sunday, June 10 and rejoined the man she loved for 75 years.  A lifetime resident of San Diego, Texas, Teresa grew up with the freedom that comes from growing up in a small, close knit town – running the streets of Duval County with her seven siblings. 
 
On February 7, 1943, at 15 years old, she married Dan Tobin, Jr. and their 53-year adventure began. They had 5 children: Marie Allie, Greta, Danny Boy, Catherine, and Michael, and their deep bond and commitment helped see them through the loss of 3 of them. Polio claimed Greta (4) and Danny Boy (3) and Catherine died shortly after child birth.  Dan died in 1996 and, consistent with much of their marriage, he has been patiently waiting on her ever since. 
 
Teresa was the ultimate matriarch, offering her unconditional love, comfort food, and uncensored opinions freely and often.  Without ever having to utter the word “feminism,” Teresa strongly believed in the power of a woman, yet had the rare and natural confidence to know the deep satisfaction that came with being an accomplished homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother.  She was an immaculate housekeeper until her four-legged loves, Kiki and Gizzie, took over her heart and her home.  Whether in a mink coat or a baseball cap, she was the epitome of style and grace.  Never one to forget a gift or a thank you note—she also regularly gave her children and grandchildren the gift of a personal, handwritten letter.  She was an amazing cook, a voracious reader, and (as with all good citizens of Duval County) she loved to share her thoughts on politics. 
 
Classic elegance, South Texas independence, and the importance of family are lessons she passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fortunately, she never learned of Miguel Barrera’s death.  He was her first born grandchild and very special to her.
 
Now that she has retaken her husband’s grateful hand, we will continue to honor our “Mom” by keeping alive her adventures and lessons with each passing generation.  We will also grieve the profound loss of an era, of an icon…and of one of the last portals to our childhood.    
 
Teresa is preceded in death by her parents Daniel U. Garcia, Sr. and Gregoria Benavides Garcia, her husband Daniel Tobin, Jr., her young children Greta Ann Tobin, Daniel Tobin III, and Catherine Tobin, grandson Miguel D. Barrera, siblings Jose S. "Checo" Garcia, Daniel U. Garcia, Jr., Frank J. Garcia, Margarita Garcia, and Leila Canales.
 
Teresa is survived by her children Michael (Sally) Tobin of La Vernia, Marie Allie (Santiago) Barrera Jr. of San Diego, brother Luis A. "Poncho" (Alice) Garcia of Corpus Christi; her loving grandchildren Jose (Roxann) Barrera, Greta (Pete) Guerra, Michael Patrick (Venessa) Tobin, Jr., Catherine (Bob) Hilliard, Laura (O'Dan) Sanchez, and Jay DeLaCruz; great-grandchildren Aissa (Rachel) Barrera, Alexia (Ray) Vela, Andres J. Barrera, *Pete A. (Marissa) Guerra, *Tobin Daniel Barrera, Gabriela Barrera, *Miguel Santiago Barrera, *Sergio Daniel Guerra, *Jorge Gabriel Guerra,  Brenna O'Dell Barrera, Pate (Zachary) Pizzini, *Daniel Patrick Tobin, Corrigan Eilis Tobin, Allie Danielle Salazar, Tobin Grace Hilliard, *Michael Delmar "Del" Hilliard, Emily Hilliard, Alex (Brittani) Hilliard, Carl Hilliard, and Robbie Hilliard; great-great-grandchildren Ariella Rose Vela, Isabella Marie Vela, Lucas Benjamin Barrera, Sophia Isabella Sanchez, Z.J. Pizzini, and numerous nieces and nephews.
 
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Sonia Perez and the entire staff at La Paloma Nursing Home for their patience, support, and care over the last few years. 
 
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018 at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego with a Catholic Rosary recited at 7 p.m. that evening. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday June 16, 2018 at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church and Christian burial will follow at the San Diego Cemetery. Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. 

​* Pallbearers