Teresa Agnes Betlejewski's Obituary
Teresa Agnes Betlejewski passed from this life on August 4, 2025, at the age of 96 after a short illness. She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, the Matriarch of a large and loving family.
She was born on January 20, 1929, in the home of Maggie and Charlie Flynn in Dolton, South Dakota. She was the sixth of nine children born to her parents, who farmed land in the SE corner of the state. Her tight-knit family weathered many challenges brought on by weather, economic conditions and the start of World War II. In 1946, Teresa became the first member of the family to graduate high school. Shortly afterward, she started working for the phone company as a switchboard operator, a job from which she retired after 38 years of service.
Teresa moved to California when the opportunity to transfer was oƯered by the phone company. Together with her sister Rita and two other friends, they landed first in Long Beach in 1949 and transferred to San Diego shortly thereafter. Here Teresa met John Betlejewski, who was serving his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. Teresa and John married here in San Diego in 1956. They then relocated to Baltimore, MD, John’s hometown, where their daughter Margie was born. When Margie was a baby, they returned to San Diego, and son John and daughter Lisa were born followed by son Mark several years later.
Teresa was a wonderful mother to her children and taught them to be hard-working, honest and fun-loving, a total reflection of her personality. Her dedication to her family and sense of humor made the good times great and the hard times easier. She was a devoted member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for many years, and all her children attended school there. In time, Teresa was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Jennifer & Emily (Margie), Chad & Brooke (Lisa) and Christopher & Katie (Mark). This generation brought Teresa 11 greatgrandchildren, and she loved all with the same simple grace and kindness she showed to everyone.
While we are heartbroken by her loss, we are eternally grateful for her wonderful, long life and joyous legacy. A funeral Mass for Teresa will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 2725 55th Street in San Diego on September 9 at 2pm. Following the service there will be a reception to share memories and stories from her amazing life. Those wishing to commemorate her life are encouraged to contribute to the Mercy Hospital Foundation or the Padre Pio Shrine at the websites listed below.
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