"Aunt Tess, Thank you for being my Aunt. Speaking to me as a whole person as I am, where I am, with no expectation. I remember our first meeting in Minnesota and loving your laugh that reminded me of my dad?s but was your own femininely powerful expression of joy. I?ve always admired your strength and independence. Although my efforts to be near you during your illness by moving to the central coast coincided with lockdown- I was truly encouraged and comforted by our talks by phone. In a time when I wanted to be there for you, you ended up being a comfort to me. I?m heartbroken I stood outside your door to deliver a gift but didn?t get to see you face to face one last time. I?m heartbroken I wasn?t given the opportunity to pay my respects at your funeral. I?m heartbroken the only other person in our large family who could ever truly understood me is gone. You were more than your occupation, more than your birth order, more than your hobbies- you were a survivor in so many ways. I will continue to send white chocolate Oreos to my siblings for Christmas in your memory. I love you Aunt Tess. "
In loving memory of
Theresa Ann Marinan (Wilson)
October 7, 1954 - June 12, 2022
Tess, as everyone called her, was born on October 7, 1954 at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. She grew up in Bloomington and Eagan. She moved to New York then to California, back to Minnesota and then back again to California; residing in the city of Pasadena for the past 12 years.
Her large family provided her with the opportunity to have relationships with multiple nieces and nephews, many of which she hosted at Disneyland and at other activities. She was well liked by her business associates and her numerous friends.
She was active as a child and athletic as an adult; competing in numerous half-marathons and running with her club. She loved music, exploring the state of California (especially Death Valley and the Central Coast) and, of course, her pets. Notably Bunky, Bogey, Bear, Angel and Bindy, her dogs.
Her professional life was mostly that of what used to be called a legal "secretary". She worked for large firms in Century City and elsewhere. In addition, she was also the secretary of Herb Brooks at the university of Minnesota and for a president of a California Savings and Loan.
As we all know, Tess had on again, off again, relationships with all her siblings and provided many challenges to those relationships - many of which could not be overcome. Despite the difficulties, Tess was much loved and will be missed.
We are comforted in the knowledge that she embraced a firm belief in our Savior, Jesus Christ and that she is, even now, resting in His arms.
Tributes
"Tess & I met in about 1983 where we were co-workers at O'Melveny & Myers in the Century City office. We became fast & dear friends especially after we discovered we were both Christians! We shared many experiences with each other that were happy, personal & heart breaking as well. I had the privilege of visiting her in her lovely townhouse when she moved to Minneapolis and then again to drive back together to California. We lost contact in 2009 and never reconnected which was disappointing for me. I periodically searched for her throughout these last few years and my heart is broken to discover that she has passed away. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to all of her family and friends. My dearest Tess, I know we will always be the closest of friends and look forward to our reunion in the heavenly places. I love you always. You have one of the best laughs I've ever heard and can't wait to hear it again, Susie Leivas~ "
"Such a poignant end to your complicated pilgrimage with our Lord. He has His ways, and your suffering service has come to an end. I think that you would agree, Tess, with our scriptural reassurance that all things work together for good for those who love and trust in the Lord, and work according to His purposes. There will always be unfinished business at the end of all of our earthly lives, but I am confidant that we have you as a prayer partner, waiting for us, and advocating for our well being. What we weren't able to finish here together won't matter in eternity. Thankfully our Father is so greatly merciful to us weak and fragile children. I know that you knew that we loved you, and that you loved us. Please pray always that He continue to provide us all with eternal blessings until we meet again in heavenly bliss. Eternal rest grant unto Tess, And let perpetual light shine upon her; Requiescat in Pacem. Sleep and rest in peace"