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Obituary
Teresa Ceballos, a lifelong resident of Watsonville, California, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on June 2, 1932, in Watsonville, Teresa spent her life dedicated to her family, her community and helping others. She worked for 14 years as a bilingual teacher’s aide with the Pajaro Valley School District, where she assisted and encouraged countless students and families. Prior to her work in education, Teresa worked alongside her mother at the family restaurant, The Mexican Kitchen in Pajaro. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jess Ceballos. Teresa and Jess shared a remarkable 71 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family and lasting memories. Teresa enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life. She loved crafting and crocheting, creating handmade treasures for family and friends. She also loved having and visiting garage sales and searching for beautiful thrifted treasures, a pastime that brought her great joy. Teresa enjoyed playing bingo, visiting casinos and taking Reno trips with the Lions Club, activities that provided fun, friendship and many happy memories over the years. Above all, Teresa cherished her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jess Ceballos; her sister, Isabel; her children, Jess Ceballos Jr. and his wife, Alberta Ceballos; Eleanor Retamoza and her husband, Phillip Retamoza; and John Ceballos and his wife, Debbie Ceballos; her grandchildren, Jesse Ceballos III, Gabriel Ceballos, Gina Acevedo, Nikko Ceballos, Nathaniel Ceballos and John Ceballos Jr.; twelve great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Her love, kindness, strength and dedication to her family will be remembered by all who knew her. Teresa’s legacy lives on through the generations she helped raise, teach and inspire. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. A Rosary and visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Mehl’s Colonial Chapel, 222 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. Family viewing will take place from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, followed by visitation for family and friends from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 10:00am at St. Patrick’s Church in Watsonville, burial to follow at Valley Catholic Cemetery at 11:00am. A reception will follow at the Watsonville Elks Lodge from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of those who went before her and remembered always by those she leaves behind.