Theresa Anthonette Carreiro was born on April 22, 1932 in Lemoore California. Her parents were Sezar Augustus Carreiro and Josephine Maria Ferreira Carreiro. She was one of thirteen children. Most of her childhood was spent in the Lemoore/Stratford area. In her mid-twenties she married Robert Lawson in 1957 and moved to Dos Palos. She had three children. Lauri Costello, married to Phil Costello, Tracy, Suzanne Cole, married to Calvin Cole, Dos Palos and Patrick Lawson, Dos Palos.
She has resided in Dos Palos for almost 70 years. In this time, she has been a teacher’s aide, completed her AA college degree, owned and operated Country Casuals Women’s Clothing store with her daughter Suzanne Cole for 16 years. We were so blessed to have her on this earth for 91 years.
We affectionately knew her as mom, Poshie, Posh, Theresa and Kiki. Mom loved her faith, family, friends, her home and yard and she was a force to be reckoned with. Energetic, warm and loving. Mom was a petite person, but always larger than life. Very straightforward, you knew when she didn’t agree or if you were in the wrong she pulled no punches, she told you.
She loved her children and their spouses very much, but her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. Mom was elated to have seven grandchildren and was so proud of all of them. In birth order they are Taryn Costello, Caylin Cole, Philip Costello, Halee Cole-Branco, Hannah Cole, Jillian Lawson and Brooke Lawson. They all have graduated from college and a few with their Master-Degrees. We can see their work ethic, drive and determination that Posh had in all of them. Hard working, doing their best and beautiful hearts as well. Mom loved to hear how they were doing, their travels, their lives and jobs.
Theresa was an avid athlete. She snow skied and water skied well into her 60’s. She taught Physical Education at the Catholic School in Dos Palos. She loved baseball and basketball which she played in High School. Mom also liked to watch golf on TV in her later years.
The vacations at numerous lakes in the area were a big part of our life. Mom would raise calves, 35 or so at a time to afford the vacation costs. The Joe Telles and Ben Carreiro families would be there also along with the many friends and families from Dos Palos.
Theresa’s health spiraled downward quickly. She was celebrating Mother’s Day and the following week she became very ill. As difficult and heart breaking as the situation evolved into, my siblings and I are grateful for being able to be by her side at the hospital stay and during her last moments here on earth. Sick as mom was, she was joyful and at peace. Joking and laughing with the doctors and nurses at the hospital, she was their favorite. At the end of their shift, they would come in, hug her and give her a kiss on the forehead. Mom received the Eucharist and blessings and recited all the prayers with the pastor. She didn’t miss a word. She died early the next day on Sunday morning, June 4th, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. It was also a full moon, The Strawberry Moon and it was very pink, her favorite color. She loved sunrises and sunsets.
As in mom’s deep faith, we must have hope. Hope for a new day, hope for all of us to be in heaven someday and hope that we all learn to love as God loves us.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dos Palos, CA on June 14, 2023. Remembrances may be made to: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1650 Lucerne Avenue, Dos Palos, CA 93620.
