1958
2013
Theresa E. (Tesa) DeLaup, born October 6, 1958 as Theresa Eileen Portugal of Houston, passed away peacefully with her entire family by her side on November 14, 2013 after a heroic 9 year battle with colon cancer.
Tesa was given less than a 50/50 chance of surviving 5 years and she said "that wasn't good enough" and began her incredible battle with the help of her team at MD Anderson, her team at home including a lymphatic therapist, personal trainer, holistic therapist along with battling the big "C" with nutrition and exercise. She became an expert in battling cancer as she researched books, articles and publications from all over the world.
Nine years of continuous chemotherapy, multiple surgical procedures and radiation treatments did not stop her from living her life. Tesa was absolutely not going to succumb to this horrible disease before seeing her 2 sons graduate college, her daughter (10 years old when diagnosed) graduate high school and start college. She even got to see her oldest son get married with a grandson. She gallantly accomplished all of her goals with the team's help, her family support and her faith in God. She traveled both nationally and abroad with her husband and family and occasionally with her sister, Dolores (Dolo) whom she enjoyed so much. Tesa was known as the "toughest patient ever" by her incredible oncologist team of Dr. Robert Wolff and PA, Kelli Nugent, who supported her all the way to the end.
Tesa had a long career with Exxon Chemicals in Houston prior to the birth of her daughter Katie in 1993 when she decided to become a full time Mom. She was also instrumental in guiding her husband Mac, who is a 30 year Honda dealer in Houston with his partner John Eagle of John Eagle Honda. Mac credits his loving wife with 100% of his success and drive as a dealer and misses his first love greatly. Tesa was so full of life with her favorite sayings: "LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH" and "NOTICE THE LITTLE THINGS".
Tesa is survived by her loving husband Mac DeLaup (they first met as babies and next door neighbors having parents that were best friends….Tesa was Mac's first kiss and first love before the age of 1), son Reid Muschalik & spouse Courtney Muschalik and their son Julian Peters, son Brad DeLaup, daughter Katie DeLaup, sister Dolores Portugal , brother Rick Portugal, brother Chris Portugal, brother Phillip Portugal, sister Mary Portugal, brother Dr. David Portugal, stepmom Carol Portugal, step-sister Tanya Davis, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters in law and brothers in law.
To honor Tesa, Mac is developing the "Theresa E. DeLaup Memorial Lighthouse and Park" in Harborwalk on West Galveston Bay where the couple built their retirement home. Developer Legend Communities has graciously donated the land to build the lighthouse and the reflection park. Several Harborwalk residents are assisting Mac in his mission to honor Tesa's memory. She was able to see the preliminary plan for the lighthouse (pictured here), and was overwhelmed with joy to be able to select aqua blue, her favorite color, for the top light. The lighthouse and park at Harborwalk will be a permanent memorial for families and friends of Harborwalk and Galveston to enjoy.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation and celebration of life at the Dignity Katy Funeral Home , 23350 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494 281-395-7070 on Monday November 18, 2013 from 7:00-9:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at The Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 1530 Norwalk Dr, Katy, TX 77450 on Tuesday November 19, 2013 at 2:00 pm where family friends Father Bob Barras and Father John Rooney will officiate. Immediately following the mass a celebration of life reception will be held at the El Jarrito Restaurant event center "Palacios Maria" 21724 Highland Knolls, Katy, TX 77450. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Theresa E. DeLaup foundation at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 www.mdanderson.org and click "how you can help" and donate in the name of Theresa E. DeLaup.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mac DeLaup.
January 5, 2014
Mac DeLaup
We have created the Theresa E. DeLaup Memorial Lighthouse and Park website! Visit www.tesaslighthouse.com for updates and pictures. Thanks all, she is with us spirtually every day. Mac DeLaup
December 6, 2013
Melissa Rayburn
I smile each day as I listen to the water fountain on my back patio that was inspired by our many conversations about fountains, birds, gardening and Nelson Water Gardens.The flow of the water is comforting and relaxing, and it always reminds me of Tesa. She was and is an inspiration to me.
December 1, 2013
To All:
Tesa was a great woman.
Prayers to all - Dan Muschalik
November 22, 2013
john kerridge
my heart is with you
November 21, 2013
Mac DeLaup
My sincere thanks to all of those who posted here, attended the visitation Monday evening and/or the funeral and celebration of life on Tuesday and sent cards, letters, emails and text. This incredible woman fought the fight of all fights, loved her family with all of her might, and left behind a legacy like no other. She will be fondly remembered by all and especially me who was honored to be her husband and friend. She was and will remain the love of my life forever. Godspeed Tesa, my heart will be complete when I see you again.
God Bless all of you! Be sure and watch for updates on the Theresa E. DeLaup Memorial Lighthouse and Park on West Galveston Bay at Harborwalk.
November 19, 2013
Daniel Byrd
All my love.
November 19, 2013
So sorry for your loss Mrs. DeLaup will be greatly missed at HarborWalk.
Jason Ross
November 19, 2013
Terry Stubblefield
So many wonderful memories are floating in my mind today. Tesa was such a nice little lady growing up next door to my family. Her Mom and Dad raised 7 lovely kids. I saw her a couple of years ago and she told me she was fighting hard due to medical issues. I will always remember her smile. Best wishes to all she left behind. Fondly,
November 19, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that out prayers are with you and your family at this diffcult time.
Nancy and Clayton Hurst
November 18, 2013
Patti Richardson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May your beautiful memories bring you comfort.
November 18, 2013
Hannah (Panahi) Endresen
Sending thoughts and prayers to your family & friends. <3
November 18, 2013
Melanie Holton
Mac ~ We at Two S Realty, are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
November 18, 2013
Ralph and Tammy Donovan
Mac and family, we are very sorry for your loss and hold you in our prayers. We ask for understanding during this time of sadness. May your memories be joyful and may God sustain you in His peace.
November 18, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss, Uncle Mac, Reid, Brad Katie....... I love you all. Tesa will forever be missed. My thoughts and constant prayers are with you. Please know I'm always here for you.
Love, Lesley
November 18, 2013
My condolences to your family. your loved one will be missed by all those who life she touched.
November 18, 2013
Dear Mr DeLaup
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Charyl Adler, Katy Tx
November 18, 2013
Jim Davis
Mac & Family, our deepest sympathy to you at this time. Tesa was greatly admired and will be equally missed. Know that our thoughts & prayers are with you in your time of loss. All your friends at the Thom Polvogt Insurance Group.
November 18, 2013
Bill Hancy
Mac My prayers are out to you and your family. As I view the picture gallery I see the terrific memories you'll always have.
November 18, 2013
Mary Blythe
Mac, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know how much you and the family adored Tesa. I will be praying for your family in this time of need. Love, Your Cousin, Mary Blythe
November 18, 2013
Mac, I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you and your family. Tesa was loved by so many, and her light will continue to shine
Love you
Linda Reay
November 18, 2013
Dorothy & John Angelina
Our deepest sympathy Mac to you & your entire family. Tesa was such a beautiful person, we will admire her always, she will be truly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
November 17, 2013
Pat Giardina
All of our love Mac to you and the family.I'll always remember the beautiful little girl. She grew into a brave, wonderful woman. You are all in our prayers. Love, Aunt Pat and Uncle Vince
November 17, 2013
Toby Gavia
So sorry for your loss. I will pray for u and your family.
November 17, 2013
Pat, Patti, Kalli & Lexie McGrievy
Mac, Our hearts go out to you, Reid, Bradley, Katie and all your family. Heaven has certainly gained another angel. Tesa was such a sweet, caring person and we will miss her as a friend and neighbor. We truely admire the strength that she endured throughout the years. Hugs to you all, The McGrievy Family
November 16, 2013
Jo Crenshaw and Family
Our deepest sympathies. Remember the special times!
November 16, 2013
Anne De Laup
So sorry to hear of Tesa's passing - know she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her! My deepest condolences to you Mac and your beautiful Katy , as well as all your family. Love, Anne
November 16, 2013
Audley Loewen
Mac, I'm so very sorry for your loss. We will surely remember you and your family in our prayers. Sending hugs and love,
Audley and Randy (cousin).
November 16, 2013
Kathy Dyer
My deepest condolences to Mac and family! Such a great loss of a very warm and strong woman!
November 16, 2013
Richard and Kelly Fisher
Mac,
There are no words to express how heartbroken we are for your loss. Know that we love you and will continue to pray for you during this season of loss.
November 16, 2013
Mac, We are so sorry for your loss. Paul and I will see you on Tuesday to celebrate her life.
Amy Bradfield
November 16, 2013
Mike Ellis
Special condolences to Mac, Katie, Reid and Brad with memories of this most beautiful, delightful, and generous lady who shared her home with Tippi and me after Katrina, in spite of her home chemotherapy even then with her sister's help. She was a special, loving soul who will be sadly missed by all her wide family and many friends. A terribly sad loss. Our hearts are breaking for you, and our prayers are with you.
Mike & Tippi Ellis
November 16, 2013
Marcia Karns
My dear Mac, I'm so sorry that Tesa has gone way before her time. God's peace and comfort to you and your family.
Loving hugs, Marcia Karns & family
November 16, 2013
Mike Winkelmann
Another angel in Heaven. Tracy and Tesa are holding each other in celebration Mac. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
My favorite Tesa saying as she started a new procedure or treatment - "I'm still here!!" Love that woman.
November 16, 2013
Prayers and good memories to the family. Jan And Amy Sidle
November 16, 2013
Pete Delaup
Tesa, you will be missed, as a wonderful person and an amazing Aunt an inspiration to us all.
Love, Pete
November 16, 2013
Phil Garza
I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven just got a little better with a new angel.
November 16, 2013
sara selber
sending such love to you and the family....sara
November 16, 2013
Richard Voisinet
I am very sorry for your loss. I am glad I had the chance to meet her. I know the next weeks and months will be difficult. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
November 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss. I stand in awe of Tesa's strength and faith, and will remember happy times. Love. Beth Gibson
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