In Loving Memory of Teresa Lynn Cardoza

Teresa Lynn Cardoza, 69, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026. She was born on February 26, 1957, in Torrance, California, to Charles and Carol Gawthorp.

Teresa had recently made a new home in Clovis, New Mexico, relocating from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and beloved granddaughter. This move brought her closer to the people she loved most and gave her the opportunity to make more precious memories with her family.

Teresa was a woman with a big personality, a big heart, and a zest for life. She was funny, sassy, loving, and strong, and she had a way of making life more fun for the people around her.

She loved taking trips to Las Vegas and seemed to have a special kind of luck whenever she sat down to gamble. She loved shopping with the girls, finding the perfect purse, and enjoying the simple pleasures that made her happy. She also discovered a new passion for building Legos and, in a short amount of time, amassed quite an impressive collection.

Teresa enjoyed wine tasting and visiting different wineries, always making an experience out of the places she visited and the memories she made along the way.

Above all, Teresa treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her presence, laughter, sass, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Teresa was preceded in death by her father, Charles Gawthorp, and her sister, Serena.
She is survived by her daughter, Vanessa, and son-in-law, Kyle; her sister, Debby, and brother-in-law, Bruce; her beloved granddaughter, Madison; and her nieces and nephews, Rebecca, Andrew, and Madison.

Teresa leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, love, and stories that will continue to be shared by those who knew her. Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave and the joy she brought into the lives of others will remain forever.

Rest peacefully, Teresa. May your next adventure be filled with good luck, great wine, plenty of shopping, and all the Legos you could ever build. You will be deeply loved and forever missed.