Teresa Lopez Family Fund

On Friday, July 18, the wonderful Maria Teresa Lopez Olay, known to many of us and our children as "Miss Teresa," died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack at the far-too-young age of 49. It is a huge blow to those of us who knew her not just as an amazing caregiver, but as a warm and caring friend. But, especially, it leaves a huge hole in the hearts and lives of her beautiful daughters, Alejandra and Viridiana Martinez.

Miss Teresa and her daughters have offered so many of us not just their love for our children, but the example of their inspirational lives. An immigrant from Mexico, Miss Teresa overcame so much -- including several years of homelessness -- to raise two daughters so accomplished they have earned scholarships to attend Utah State (Alejandra) and Westminster (Viridiana).

It is a family rich in love and success, but not in financial resources. And, now, these two young women -- 20 and 19 years old -- so need our help. They face not just funeral expenses, but other costs as they struggle to build new lives with their dear mother taken from them far too soon.

Please give what you can. Please share this page with anyone who may have known Miss Teresa, Ale and Viri, or your friends and family who are able to contribute. The funds will be adminstered by the Hyvonen and Stewart-Pacenza families, for whom Miss Teresa and her daughters were, truly, family. We and our sons are so sad and hope only we can inspire a community to show their love.

Thank you,

Matt, Julie, Kelly and Jenn.

P.S. If anyone would prefer to make a contribution off line, please email me at [email redacted] or call [phone redacted]. Thank you.