Our dearest Teresa died Feb. 29 after a brave fight against cancer. Her battle ended with pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her lungs. She was born in Cebu, Philippines on May 5, 1960 to Catalino and Sarah Mabatid. She was the fifth of six children. Teresa was raised by her grandparents and a loving aunt, enjoying a happy healthy childhood. Poverty forced Teresa to leave high school early to seek work. She found employment at Benedict Brothers, sewing handbags, backpacks and accessories.

In 2012 Teresa was introduced to a recently widowed man named Terry. Their mutual friend, Carmelita, was a former workmate of Teresa who married a man in Fortuna. She thought Teresa and Terry would be a good match. She was right! Terry first visited Teresa in 2012. He later returned to marry her in February 2014. The couple continued to communicate. Finally, Teresa arrived in San Francisco and on to Fortuna at the end of May 2015.

Teresa loved her new home and the people of Humboldt. She exclaimed, “everyone is so nice and friendly!” Terry always believed it was a natural response to her radiant smile.

Teresa enjoyed fishing at Centerville and Table Bluff beaches, walks in Rohner Park and the Gene Lucan recreation center. She was a familiar face at the local thrift shops, usually in the company of two or three other pinay.

She worked at College of the Redwoods cafeteria. She loved Anthony and the cafeteria staff and students. Teresa loved people. She liked to hear their stories. She had special fondness of Millie, Lou, Linda and Paul and Mary from Rohner Park.

Teresa was a woman of faith, a devout Catholic constantly in prayer. She truly believes in Jesus’ resurrection.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Catalino, Jr. and her sister Edith.

She is survived by her siblings Dina, Allen and Ging, and her devoted and loving husband Terry. Teresa is also survived by Jocelyn and David, Lyn and Chris, Bebeth and Doug, Carmelita, Perlita, Armella and many nieces, nephews and cousins in Philippines.

Thank you to the staff at Redwood Memorial and St. Joseph hospitals. A special thanks to the staff in the oncology/chemo center. Teresa loved you all.

Arrangements by Gobles Fortuna Mortuary, including shipment of cremains to Cebu, Philippines where services will be held at a later time.

Always remember, sweetheart, “Our love has no expiration.”

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Teresa Iversen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.