Theresa A. Perales, D.P.M.
In word and deed, Theresa Perales lived her life in the loving presence of Christ. Theresa was a dedicated podiatrist and an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church (OLA). Theresa possessed a bountiful spiritual life and also a wry sense of humor and sarcasm. She had an extraordinary impact on all those who knew her. Theresa passed away on April 23, 2017 of leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Theresa will be sorely missed.
Theresa Anne Perales was born on June 19, 1966 in Santa Maria, California to Bernardine and Larry Perales. She attended local schools, graduating from Santa Maria High School in 1984 where she played basketball, softball, and volleyball. She continued her education at UC Davis where she graduated with a B.A. in physical education in 1988. While at UC Davis, Theresa played on the Aggies softball team for one season.
After receiving her undergraduate degree, Theresa decided to pursue podiatry as her desired occupation. She continued her studies at the California College of Podiatric Medicine (CCPM) in San Francisco. As part of her coursework, she worked and resided at the Laguna Honda County Hospital where she treated indigent patients. She graduated from CCPM in 1994 with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and completed a two-year residency at Monsignor Clement Kern Hospital for Special Surgery in Warren, Michigan in 1996.
In 1990, she met her life partner and future wife Julie Hendrickx. They made their home together in Ventura in 1996. In 2000, Theresa and Julie celebrated their union together in a commitment ceremony in the presence of their family and friends in Davis, California. They were legally married in 2008 in Ventura.
Theresa established her podiatry practice in Ventura in 1997. Years later, she worked for the Clinicas del Camino Real group from 2000 to 2015. There was no procedure too large or too small for Theresa as she exhibited genuine care and compassion for all who knew her. Most recently she had worked in publishing with restorative exercise expert Katy Bowman and Nutritious Movement.
Theresa lead her life embodying Jesus Christ. She was a life long Catholic and an active member of OLA. She was well known in the faith community as an altar server. Her generosity of spirit was a hallmark. Theresa regularly visited youth in juvenile hall and also fed the homeless.
Theresa had many interests. She and Julie enjoyed traveling, playing board games, and spending time with family and friends. Theresa was naturally inquisitive and a voracious reader. She established her own Little Free Library where community members often dropped by to borrow or swap books. Theresa had commanding athleticism and was also an ardent fan of sports teams, especially the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Survivors include her wife of 26 years, Julie Hendrickx; parents Bernardine and Larry Perales; sisters Marian (Sham Duckworth) and Anita (Rodney Jones), and numerous nieces and nephews.
A vigil service will be held on May 11 at 7:00 PM at the Joseph Reardon Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 12 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church. Private interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leiomyosarcoma Direct Research Foundation (www.lmsdr.org), Oxnard Public Library (www.oxnard.org/library), or Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (www.santapaulaarc.org).