It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, loving wife, and friend on January 11, 2016, after a seven-year battle with cancer, which she fought tenaciously and courageously. Survived by her husband George, of 48 years; daughters, Miriam (Andrew) and Natalie (Colin); grandchildren, Mikayla, Sarah, Isabella, and Connor; and sisters, Zuzana (Julius), Alzbeta (Pavel), and Bozena (Miro). Theresa was born in the small town of Nizna Olsava, Slovakia during the communist regime of Czechoslovakia at the end of World War II.  She was the second youngest of seven girls. Growing up she excelled at academics and athletics. She graduated from the Comenius University of Bratislava in the Department of Economics with a full scholarship and attained a Masters of Economics (M. Econ.). In 1968, Theresa and her husband George bravely fled communist Czechoslovakia.  As newly-weds, they together embarked on their journey to immigrate to Canada.  In 1969 they arrived in Toronto with only two suitcases, a few dollars, no English and the desire to make a better life as new Canadians. In 1975, the family moved to Vancouver for the beautiful environment and to enjoy milder weather, skiing, and connecting with their close friends from Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.  Theresa obtained her Real Estate License and became a successful Realtor later establishing Regional Realty Ltd. in 1982.  Theresa operated the successful brokerage for decades and managed an impressive portfolio of properties with her husband George. While working side by side with George they accomplished a tremendous amount. As a dedicated, forthright, and tenacious businesswoman, Theresa enjoyed working up to her 70th Birthday.  She inspired everyone she met with her powerhouse energy and her passion for real estate.  She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who encouraged her husband, children and grandchildren to succeed in life. She provided a beautiful and secure home where everyone was welcome. She was generous and everything she did had a level of elegance that cannot be replicated. She will be remembered for her quick and accurate recall of numbers, her caring for all people, passion for  nature, and tenaciousness that allowed her to become a successful businesswoman. We wish to thank the medical staff and Dr. Paul Sugar at Lions Gate Hospital for their excellent care and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation or the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation (Chemotherapy/Oncology). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place January 21, 2016 at 10:30am at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 1430 West 38th Avenue, Vancouver. Condolences can be left on line for the family at www.kearneyfs.com.