Teresa “Terri” Rieping died in the presence of her beloved husband at their Madera, California, farm home around 7:25 p.m., Feb. 23, 2016, after battling Alzheimer’s disease for more than six years. Fourth oldest of 11 children, she was born in Los Angeles on March 26, 1935, to Higinio and Carmen Lozano, and baptized May 9 in San Fernando. In Fresno, she attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School. At her confirmation, she chose Mary Magdalen as her patron saint May 9, 1947. She graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1953. She worked as a histology technician for pathologist Dr. Parisi and as a legal receptionist for attorney Gilbert Lopez. She performed in a Mexican folkloric dancing troupe. She sewed her own ornate dance attire and wedding dress. She first met German immigrant Josef “Joe” Rieping at a Catholic young adult gathering across from St. John’s Cathedral in Fresno around November 1962. He recalled her from a charity she’d danced at in Sanger, though she was skeptical when he said, “Didn’t I see you? We met before?” But Joe persevered, drawn by her reserve and strong Christian values. They dated and would marry Jan. 18, 1964. They raised their family in the San Joaquin Valley. She worked as a bilingual teacher’s aide at Sierra Vista Elementary School, but may be best known for decades helping with the children’s bilingual faith instruction at St. Joachim Catholic Church. She led as its director of religious education for 20 years, impacting the spiritual formation of thousands. She often visited the Juvenile Detention Facility in Madera after work as a volunteer to minister to young people. She served as a spiritual director for members of her church and embraced the international organization Focolare, which promotes ideals of unity and universal brotherhood as well as regular meditation on the Christian gospels. She repeatedly welcomed the homeless into her home, viewing them as Jesus coming to visit. Under Pope John Paul II, the Vatican awarded her the Benemerenti Medal for long and exceptional service to the church on May 22, 1996. She loved oil painting, portrait drawing, playing guitar, reading, praying, teaching, dancing, flowers, the color blue, and singing. She sang as a soprano in several choirs, most recently in the St. Joachim Senior Choir. She would advise her children and grandchildren to “offer it up” to God when distressed, and to “remember Jesus forsaken” during trials. Her greatest hope for her loved ones was God’s grace. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Joseph Rieping, her son Anthony and his wife Noel, her son Bernard “Bernie” and his wife Ana, her son Eugene “Gino” and his wife Angelica, her daughter Maria-Helena Uribe with husband Hector, her son John, 16 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren — all of Madera. The rosary will be prayed Monday, March 7, at 10 a.m. in St. Joachim Church, 401 W. 5th St. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. with a reception afterwards at Holy Spouses Hall, 320 N. I St. Internment will be for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the nonprofit soup kitchen The Holy Family Table at 401 W. 5th St., Madera, CA 93637.
11 Comments
Evelia Arroyo
2/24/2016 10:25:14 pm
So sorry for your loss Prima. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as well as your mom. Love you guys.
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Maria Uribe
2/24/2016 11:03:22 pm
Thank you Prima! <3 Love you too!!
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Angie Rosenthal
2/25/2016 05:53:31 am
My condolences to your entire family. I remember what an awesome lady your mom was. Heaven has gained another beautiful angel. Hugs and prayers to your dad and your siblings.
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Maria G. Rios Molinar
2/25/2016 08:26:11 am
Thank you for sharing.
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Dawn Swinton
2/25/2016 01:47:31 pm
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Teresa's entire family. Teresa has always held a very special place in my heart, and she was there for me when I needed a representative of God's love.
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Alex & Gitta Hinz
2/25/2016 02:32:05 pm
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Joe and his family , we keep you in our prayers .
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Dorothy Zaragosa
2/25/2016 02:54:32 pm
Lifting your entire family up to our Father in prayer. She
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TERESA M. CONTRERAS
2/25/2016 09:55:47 pm
May the wonderful memories of your Mother bring you comfort. My deepest sympathy.
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2/26/2016 12:59:56 pm
May your Mother Rest in Peace. Your Mother was a wonderful and thoughtful woman that always cared about others. And now she is in Heaven with her parents Carmen and Hijieno, Josie, Carmen, Connie and the rest of her siblings that have passed on. May God watch over all of family always as that would of been her wish. My prayers are with you.
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Dianne Sullivan
3/2/2016 07:58:19 am
John, Mark & I are so sorry for your loss. Your mom will always had a special place in our hearts.
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Yvonne Nannini
3/5/2016 09:43:24 am
When Teresa was in the room, I could feel her strong spiritual connection to God. May she rest in peace.
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