Teresa Venegas

Racine – Teresa Venegas, 61, passed away on Saturday April 23, with her husband Tom at her side. She fought a long and courageous battle against ovarian cancer.

She began her life as the daughter of Manuel and Lupe (nee: Rodriguez) Venegas on August 7th, 1949.  She was a life long resident of Racine. Teresa attended Sacred Heart Grade School and valued the many childhood friends; she had remained in contact with over the years Teresa was an active parish member helping with the Friday night fish fry. She also helped plan the very first 8th grade class reunion held in 2005.  Teresa attended Horlick High School and graduated in 1967; she was active in the DECA business club and Student Council. She was inducted into the Horlick High School Graduates of Distinction in 2002. Teresa graduated from Gateway Technical Institute with a degree in secretarial science and later she obtained a degree in International Business and Marketing from Carthage College

She had an illustrious career at SC Jonson culminating in over 40 years of service. Teresa began her career as a secretary in the "Great Workroom". Among her many duties included typing speeches for Sam Johnson. In 1989 she became Guest Relations Supervisor at the Golden Rondelle. Next she became Neighborhood Programming Supervisor.  In 2000 Teresa worked in information services as a Human Resources Representative. She finished her career as a Customer Service Coordinator.  Teresa was a loaned executive to United Way of Racine County. She was selected for the very first Corporate Diversity Advisory Team at SC Johnson. She initiated SC Johnson's first participation in the National Hispanic leadership Conference. While at SC Johnson Teresa received the Officers Award, Corporate Public Affairs Award, "Manager of the Year Award", and the HF Johnson Community Service Award. Other involvements included Board of Directors of the Racine Girl Scout Council, Girl Scout troop leader, Fair Housing of Racine Advisory Council, founding member and board member of the Hispanic Business & Professional Association, Junior Achievement, Southside Revitalization Corporation board of directors, 2nd District Action Coalition, Sustainable Racine Community Forum, Wisconsin Environmental Education board,  Wustum Museum Marketing Committee, Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin  Heritage Board, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Racine

She was a giving person who touched many lives. Teresa's 20 nieces and nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews were the "love of her life". They always talked about Aunt Teresa who planned Halloween parties, picnics, slumber parties and rides in her Corvette. Most importantly her mission in life included creating a loving family for her two sons Joseph and Cory who she loved without limit. Teresa was also  a foster parent.

Teresa is survived by her husband, Tom Weiss; their children, Joe (Kari) Venegas and Cory Venegas all of Racine; sisters and brothers, Mary (Bill) Willis of Sacramento, California, Rita Lukasiewicz of Kenosha, Tony (Kathy) Venegas of Crossville, Tennessee,  Emily (Jeff) Langdon, Sylvia (Kurt) Petersen, David (Kathy) Venegas, Carl (Dawn) Venegas, and Tim (Tammy) Venegas all of Racine. She is further survived by 20 nieces and nephews; 17 great-nieces and great-nephews; and her dear friends, Sue Whorley, Kathy Contreras, Joyce Contreras, Carolyn Moskonas, Liz Pero, and Julie Peterson.

Family and friends are invited to meet at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. for the celebration of her life and funeral mass with Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating.  There will be a visitation in the church on Thursday from 12-2 pm. Interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park on Friday, April 29th at 11:00 a.m. Memorials to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Racine and Kenosha have been suggested.

Many thanks go out to Cathy Favro, Maria Escobar, Carol Bursek, and the Customer Service Department at SC Johnson for their friendship and support; and to Dr. Michael Mullane and the staff of Oncology of Wisconsin for their compassion and friendship.