It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Theresa Brookins on July 21, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was 87 years old. Theresa, known as “Terry,” was born on April 13, 1937, to mother Jessie Villa Acosta and father Louis Acosta in Santa Barbara, Calif. Her parents, who had immigrated from Mexico, settled down in Santa Barbara where they lived on Mason Street. Her siblings were brothers Teddy, Louis, Richard and David and sisters Carmela, Patricia, Lydia, Dolores, Esther and Barbara. She often spoke about how much she missed her younger brother Teddy, who passed away when he was young.

Theresa graduated from Dolores Catholic School (now Bishop Diego High School) and went on to attend college at Santa Barbara Business College where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She had four children: Beverly, Elise, Laurie and Gabriel.
Theresa worked as a property manager for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Santa Barbara Housing Authority and San Diego Housing Authority for many years before retiring. During much of her retirement, she lived nearby in Santa Maria with her son Gabe.

She spent her most recent years in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she lived with her son Gabe and her gray tabby cat, Richard “Richie” Contreras, whom she sometimes referred to as “Teetee” or “Coco.” She loved Elvis, Rod Stewart, the Carpenters, prime rib dinners and playing “caveman” keno. More than anything, Theresa loved her many grandchildren and new grandbabies. They brought her immense joy, and she was incredibly proud of each one. Theresa’s legacy will live on through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her son Gabriel Contreras, daughters Elise Contreras and Beverly Ruiz, sisters Patricia, Barbara and brother David, her grandchildren Arlyne, Kayla, Moriah, Caleb, Patty, Anthony, Steven Jr., Lea, her great-grandchildren Jessie, Emily, Kennedy, James, Ava, Gabe, Opal, Laurel, Clementine, Clover, Maisie Rae, Auryn, and finally her cat Richard.

She is preceded in death by her father Louis Acosta, mother Jessie Acosta, daughter Laurie Hillock, brothers Teddy, Louis and Richard, and sisters Carmela, Lydia, Esther and Dolores.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at Veronica Springs Church, 949 Veronica Springs Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.
There will be a Celebration of Life to follow. Details will be provided at the service.