January 29, 2017
Subject: A Tribute to the life of Teresa Ann Deford
Teresa Ann Deford was born in Hanford, California on July 8, 1963 to Leonard and Angelina Durrenberger. She passed into the arms of the Lord in Bakersfield, California on January 29, 2017 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
Teresa grew up in Riverdale, California, the youngest of five children. She graduated from Riverdale High School in 1981, a proud “Cowboy.” Teresa enjoyed school thoroughly and was an honor student. While attending Riverdale High School, she was involved in FFA, among many other activities. Teresa moved to Coalinga, California to attend West Hills College and got a part-time job at Windmill Market, where she met Suzanne Deford. Suzanne introduced Teresa to her brother, Joe, and the two were married in April of 1986. Teresa and Joe welcomed son Robby in 1989 and daughter Katherine in 1992, and her life’s work began being the best mom anyone could have. Her birthday and school room parties that she arranged were legendary and Teresa usually had more fun than the kids she was there to serve. Joe and Teresa moved the family to Bakersfield, California in 2002.
Teresa was employed by the California Department of Corrections at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, California and retired after 12 years of service. Teresa had a passion for cooking and loved to bring homemade treats for special events and celebrations for her coworkers. She was very happy that she remained connected to her coworkers and remained included in those special work events even after she became ill and was fighting cancer. Thank you!
The Deford Family grew a little when Kelli Trunkey (soon to be Kelli Deford) was welcomed into the family, and Teresa’s first grandchild, Emily, was born to Robby and Kelli in February of 2015. Again, Teresa found her calling now as a grandmother. “Gama” and Emily were quite a pair.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, brother Alan, and brother Leonard. Teresa is survived by her husband Joe of 33 years of loving one another, her son Robert Deford, daughter Katherine Deford, daughter-in-law-to-be Kelli Trunkey, and granddaughter Emily Deford. She is also survived by her brother Alvin and his wife Joanne, her brother John and his wife Libby. Teresa was also blessed with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved and whom loved her dearly. Teresa also leaves behind many coworkers who were her extended family, many of whom sent their love to her in many forms throughout her long illness.
The Deford Family would like to thank Joe’s coworkers that provided support in this difficult time. It’s the kind of support that comes only when people actively care for someone in need. Thank you!
The Deford Family would like to thank Teresa’s Kaiser Oncology team that provided the care to make these past two years medically possible. These past two years have been a blessing.
The Deford Family would like to have Teresa’s legacy to others be a beacon for getting screening done on time and regularly. The only hope for remaining healthy and to have a chance at beating many forms of cancer is early detection. Don’t put it off, not even for a day!
A celebration of Teresa’s life is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. in Coalinga, California at the Chapel Grace Church on 120 E. Hawthorne St., Coalinga, CA 93210.
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