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Theresa Yeu-Wen Tsao was born in Shanghai China on the 8th of September 1941. She was the younger of two children. At 14 years of age, her parents moved her to Taiwan where she was raised primarily by her grandfather and aunt and uncle. Her grandfather liked to cook, and he taught her and her brother. One thing she liked to make was dumplings, both sweet and savory. Growing up in Taiwan, Theresa graduated with an Associate degree where she also earned certificates in cooking, acupuncture, and childhood development.

Theresa met her husband, Albert, through an introduction from mutual friends. She liked him the first time they met and thought that he was honest, forthright, and very polite. When asked how quickly she knew that she wanted to marry him she said, “pretty quick” with a smile and laugh. Their courtship was quick, and as a result, they were married in 1966. They had 3 children, one girl and two boys. Theresa and Albert moved their family to California when she was 35 years old. This was in part to improve the health of their oldest son. They settled in Thousand Oaks where they would live for 21 years before moving to Simi Valley where Theresa would reside for another 22 years.

When deciding to move to the United States, she knew that moving would mean giving up luxuries like having a housekeeper and a babysitter. In California, Theresa kept the household while working full time to help support her family. This was in sharp contrast to her lifestyle in Taiwan where she had been a stay at home mom. Theresa worked in electronics and later on the defense industry as an assembler. Her grit and determination motivated her to succeed, grow in her position, and better provide for her family.

Theresa enjoyed traveling, eating out, and cooking (she was an especially good cook). She was active in her Chinese Dance Club and her Bible study group. She also enjoyed karaoke singing.

Theresa was a devoted wife. When Albert fell ill because of Parkinson’s disease, she was his support and primary caretaker for 5 years. Sadly in 2019, Theresa was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s along with dementia. She died peacefully on November 24, 2021 surrounded by her children. She is survived by her daughter, two sons and grandson.