Obituary: Theresa Matos

Theresa Matos of Boca Grande passed away peacefully at her home early Tuesday morning, December 1, 2015. She lost her battle to lung cancer, though she fought to the end. Theresa was surrounded by her family as she went to be with God.
She was born October 12, 1918 to parents Dolly and John Padilla of Caya Costa. She is one of the last descendants of the Toribio and Juanita Padilla family. She moved from Caya Costa to Boca Grande when she was 2, where she resided until her death on Tuesday.
She was a devoted long-time employee of the Gasparilla Inn for 29 years, where she worked in housekeeping until her retirement in 1995. She loved shelling the lovely beaches of her beloved Boca Grande and watching the amazing sunsets while basking in the warm salt air.
She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Jorge Matos; daughter Virginia Waterfield; granddaughters Brenda, Debbie, Laurie, Anita, Terri and Benny; 7 greatgrandchildren, including Erika, Brittany, Ashley, Paige, Dallas, Jordan, Lindsay and 3 great-great-grandchildren: Mason, Ace and Paycen; and several nieces who brought her great pride and joy in her later years.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 240 Park Ave. with services officiated by Father Jerome Carosella.
Her burial will be on Monday, Dec. 7 at Gulf Pines Memorial Park, 2401 Englewood Rd. Englewood, Fl. at 11 a.m.