THERESA “WILA” MASON PINUELAS
Oct. 3, 1936 - May 27, 2016
Theresa “Wila” Mason Pinuelas, 79, of El Centro, CA, passed away May 27, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Theresa Mason was born in Holtville, CA on October 3, 1936. For most of her childhood years, she lived in Los Angeles, CA and was raised by her Mama Nina. At fourteen, she moved back to Seeley, CA to be with her mother and siblings. In 1951, Theresa and her brother Louie graduated from 8th grade; afterwards, she worked at a hamburger stand in the small town of Seeley. Theresa returned to Los Angeles to be with her Mama Nina and attend high school. She worked part-time for a potato company. At the age of sixteen, she again returned to the Valley and went to High School in El Centro. Theresa’s work ethics was impeccable, she loved working at the local dime store on Main St, especially at retail clothing stores; one particular retail, was Marcot’s Mens Apparel.
On March 13, 1955, at the age of 19, Theresa married her life-long love, Jose Aguilar Pinuelas. Both Joe and Terry would embark on a fifty two year marriage; until the day, the Lord called for her beloved Joe to come home on January 1, 2007. Terry and Joe’s journey is about two young Mexican Americans choosing to be together, having the courage to start a company, working extremely hard, having five children so that they could have a better life, the American Dream.
Theresa was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She had the most generous loving heart and touched many lives with her presence. Theresa especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she loved dancing, sewing, and visiting her brothers, sisters, and friends for a cup of morning coffee. The Pinuelas children will forever be thankful, honored, and proud to have such a loving and hard-working mother. We will deeply miss our classy, beautiful mama; her calmness, warm touch, hugs, radiant smile and her inspiration.
Theresa was proceeded in death by her father, Domitilo Mason and mother, Julia Cortez Walker.
She is survived by her children and spouses; Joe Pinuelas Jr., Ruben Pinuelas (Terry), Ernie Pinuelas, Sammy Pinuelas (Marciana), Sonya Lisa Carrion (Bobby); aunt, Tillie Gannon; brothers, Louie Mason and (Lina), and Domitilo Mason; sisters, Mary Valencia (Ed), Lolly Gallegos, Berta Pinuelas, Juany Mazon; half-sister, Mary Ann Walker and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Hems Brothers Mortuary in El Centro at 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 9 a.m. Luncheon will be held at Eagles Lodge, 661 W. State St., El Centro.
Donations can be made to Cancer Resource Center of the Desert (IVCRC).