"Through this life, and the other life, I will love you more and always be with you."

Theresa was a native of Alexandria, Egypt.  Adoring daughter of Giovanni and Maria Antonopoulos who precede her in death. Beloved wife of Gabi Achkar and loving mother of Mylene and Michael Achkar.  Dear sister of George, Edmea, Romolo, Virginia, Gioni, Anna-Rita, Mario and Graciella.  Devoted grandmother of Christian and Madeline Achkar and Michael John Wilkes.
Theresa graduated from Ecole Pigier Fashion Design in Alexandria, Egypt and owned, with her husband, Gabi Jewels in the Pruneyard. Her favorite activities were her cats, fishing, gardening, cooking, sewing, and church.
Family and friends are invited to a Rosary service 7:00 PM Thursday February 9th at St. Christopher Catholic Church 2278 Booksin Ave. San Jose and a Funeral Mass 10:30 AM Friday February 10th at the same church, interment to follow at Madronia Cemetery 14766 Oak Street Saratoga. Reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, appreciated.

Theresa had a passion for God. As a young a girl she attended the Sacro Cuore church in Ibrahimieh, Egypt every Sunday and continued to serve the Lord throughout her life.  Her love for Jesus was felt by all who met her.  Her smile, laughter and presence permeated the atmosphere like a Tuberose flower. Elegance and beauty flowed from her continuously as the sway of wedding dress on the first dance. Grace and godliness accompanied her beauty.  Theresa was like an angel drawing people to her and God. She was our, "Mother Theresa", always serving others.  She did everything with steadfast love, grace, and excellence.

Theresa embodied the woman in Proverbs 31.   She was hardworking. Theresa would wake up early in the morning to take care of her family and home. Breakfast, dinner and chores were completed with the rising of the sun. Before the morning would be over she would open the store for her customers.  In her husband's heart she was the rarest of jewels, immeasurable and incomparable. Her intelligence, wisdom and foresight were admired and sought after. They were free gifts.

Theresa's most precious jewels though were her beloved family. With tenderness, patience and selfless love she served her husband, children, grandchildren and beloved pets. Theresa was the heart and soul of her family.  Her self-sacrificing actions also extended to everyone she met. Theresa treated everyone with love, respect and kindness.  People always felt special around her.

Gardening and fishing were some of her other passions. Working in the garden made her one with nature. She loved the outdoors and all creatures in it. Like Snow White she fed the deer, birds and nurtured the flowers and trees. Fishing in Santa Cruz reminded her of her youth in Egypt.  She loved the sea breeze on her face, the sound of the waves and the thrill of catching fish!

Theresa was also known for her extraordinary talent in cooking. Her recipes are heirlooms we treasure. The preparation, time, effort and skill she put into preparing dishes, especially for special holidays and events, will always be admired.

Theresa will always be a role model of inner and outer beauty, strength, perseverance, godliness, elegance, grace and wisdom. She touched and changed our lives forever. Her legacy will always live in our hearts and will be carried forward to our children.

As her husband Gabi always says, "There is no one like her. They don't make people like her anymore. She was the best."