Theresa (Tee) Marie Bonifacino was a devoted wife, daughter, aunt, godmother, cousin and friend. She passed away peacefully at the age of 64 at her home on October 1st, 2024, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Theresa was born on September 11,1960 in Salinas, CA to Manuel and Teresa Vais the apple of their eye and only child. She attended local elementary schools in San Juan Bautista where she grew up and graduated from Hollister High School in 1978. She married the love of her life Jim Bonifacino in 1980 at the Mission San Juan Bautista. The newly married couple moved to Hollister to their home that they built together and still resided in. Theresa retired from Pacific Diversified Insurance and was in the insurance industry for over 20 years combined with her time at Bishop-Lusink Insurance. Theresa loved to travel with her husband and was always ready for an adventure. She enjoyed many vacations with him and close friends and family. She loved spending time in Faial Azores at her 2nd home. Vacation destinations usually involved the ocean and dancing. If there was music, she was dancing. Theresa never let life’s challenges hold her back and was always positive through her courageous battle. She was known for her strong will and unwavering determination. She was blessed with many friendships through the years. Theresa was a member of S.D.E.S Portuguese Lodge and Sacred Heart Parish. She was a devout Catholic and some of her last words was, “Jesus is love”. As we grapple with the loss of her physical presence, she would want us to find solace in knowing that her spirit lives on.

Theresa is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jim Bonifacino, her mother, Teresa Vais and mother-n- law, Mary Bonifacino. She is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her father Manuel Vais, father-n-law John Bonifacino and brother-n-law John Bonifacino.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 15th at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home from 9:00 am to 11:30 am with a Rosary at 10 am followed by Burial at Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at Paines Restaurant.