Maria Teresa Lopez-Mendieta

I will always remember Teresa's infectious smile and sunny disposition. She brightened the life of everyone she crossed paths with. Teresa, you will be sorely missed.

Teresa cared for and laughed with my mom for her twelve years at NES. She was always a welcome moment in the day. We will miss her and lovingly remember her.

In 1986, I moved to Ottawa where Teresa was already very much a part of the fabric of the Dickson family. Over the years, she would warmly welcome extended family members as we came in through the door. She was quick to make our arrival her first priority, chatting and laughing as she bustled about, helping my sister to prepare the house for guests. The last time we saw her is an especially happy memory when she and her sister—who was visiting from Mexico—together with Jon, joined the family to celebrate Kate Dickson’s birthday on a beautiful, picturesque lake. Also visiting from Mexico were Norma and Rodolfo Ogarrio, and the day we spent together was filled with happy conversation, brilliant sunshine and delicious food. In the evening, we gathered round a roughly hewn cottage table overlooking the water, taking our time to sample wonderful culinary delights that a chef had prepared for us to enjoy. There were many stories told and much laughter shared; it was a day spent celebrating the importance of family and friends—from near and far—as we watched the sun set in all its glory. Teresa glowed in the light and appeared strong and deeply content. Looking back, it is a day that will be remembered with much fondness because, in light of her recent passing, this final, happy memory of her now holds much significance. A compassionate, kind and generous person, Teresa will be very missed by all who knew and loved her.

Teresa was a wonderfully caring, dedicated and compassionate person who always had a smile and hug for me as I grew up. She was a fixture within our family for decades, and she will be very much missed.

In 1992, 14 years arriving in Canada, Jon was born! He was a miracle that gave Teresa so much joy and focus. There were many memorable shared moments as Jon grew up into the wonderful young man he is today, guided by a strong, proud and devoted mother.

Teresa was a wonderful person, strong of character with a radiant personality.
But I also have fond memories of her generosity and thoughtfulness. She never forgot a birthday, a Mother's Day, a Father's Day or an anniversary. Whenever she came to our home, she always brought something. In spring, such as now, she might bring a bouquet of yellow tulips. In other seasons, it might be a a home baked cake, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, or a house plant. We have in our home even today, a hardy plant she offered us some fifteen years ago. She was also deeply devoted to her son Jon, and he to her. We continue to be honored to be his godparents. She was an important part of our family and we feel her loss deeply.

I was very fortunate to have Teresa (Tere) be part of my life soon after my birth, since she cared for me shortly after I was born and for the following year and a half (1975-1976) while she was still living in Mexico City. Although I don’t have any vivid memories of the time Tere cared for me in my early years, during my childhood her name was often mentioned by my parents as a reference of someone who shared with me her love and who developed a unique affection for me. Whenever Tere was visiting her family in Mexico City, she would stop by my parents' house to visit, and of these visits I do have beautiful memories. Every time she walked into our home, she would start saying “Andrecito, Andrecito donde estas” and to which I would run to her arms and she would give me this long and strong hug, and soon after that for some reason she would start laughing with that great joy that always characterized her.

When I was twelve years old I had the great privilege of spending two years studying at Ashbury College in Ottawa and spending all of my weekends with Brian, Kate, Graham and Eric Dickson. Almost every Sunday we would go up to Marchmont where Chief Justice Dickson and Mrs. Dickson lived and where Tere also worked and lived. There was not a single time that I saw Tere that she would not receive me with a big smile and saying “Andrecito, I am so happy you are here”. For me those two years in Canada have been among the happiest times in my life and having the love of Tere every Sunday, made me feel very blessed. The last time I saw Tere was on August of 2018, when I was in town alongside my two boys. We had a wonderful lunch with Tere at Brian and Kate´s house, where even though she was already ill, she was as joyful as always……and we had a special conversation where we talked about the time she cared for me when I was a baby to the beautiful memories in Marchmont as well as how much she had enjoyed meeting my sons. As she walked out the door, I remember vividly how she was waving her hand and said one last time….“Andrecito, te quiero mucho” to which I replied…“Yo tambien Tere”.

I will always be grateful for the love and kindness that Tere gave me throughout my life…….she was a very loving and special person whom I will always remember dearly.

I met Teresa when our three boys became close friends with her son Jon in grade school. They are still such good friends that we consider him an extended part of our family. From the beginning, Teresa’s Mexican heritage and my Cuban one brought us together. We had the great joy of having her and Jon join us at several of our Christmas dinners, which we celebrate on Christmas eve in traditional Latin American style, and we remained good friends all these many years. It was always a joy to meet up with her, and even if we just ran into each other strolling through New Edinburg or at a local store, we’d instantly fall into long conversations full of laughter. Teresa’s joy of life was infectious, and her love for her family and friends was always a source of inspiration. Our whole family will sorely miss her. I feel that we will never bury her spirit, and know that Jon will continue to be part of our extended family.

We met Teresa in 1976 when she lovingly helped us to look after our one year old boy, Andres.

 Some years later we asked her if she would be willing to help Judge and Mrs.Dickson at Marchmont, in Ottawa. She accepted, and for a long period of time, when we visited Marchmont, we always saw Teresa and enjoyed her happy and loving spirit.

Thanks to Brian and Kate Dickson´s generosity our daughter Ana spent one year at their home, studying at Elmwood and learning English. Teresa helped Kate look after Ana, for which we were all extremely grateful, and Ana became close to Teresa, the way our son Andres did, as a young boy.

Two summers ago we celebrated Kate´s 70th birthday at their summer cottage in Rideau Lake, and Teresa with her son Jon visited us, while she was recuperating from a cancer intervention. Teresa was beaming, with her permanent bright smile and warm and loving attitude. A true example of fortitude. She became a true member of the Dickson family. We will miss her and will always remember her with love and gratitude.