Thinking of you Theresa, as always on Leap Years. I pulled my favorite childhood stuffed dog from storage a while back that my mom gave me on Valentine's day before she died. Now I see it in our bedroom and it always reminds me of my mom, and you because I had brought with me to your family's place by Grass Valley and your dog ran off with it ... It still has faint rusty stains from that red dirt up there.

Theresa was my dearest, best childhood friend from kindergarten. During those early years I just adored her and was so attached to her. For some reason I used to call her "Teedee". We remained friends for many years despite the family relocations but eventually we lost touch. My heart aches that I never made the concerted effort to reach out in subsequent years- until now. I've thought about her and our shared childhood memories so many times. Especially on leap years. I thought, *this year* I will finally make it happen, surprise her maybe with a call on her birthday, only to find this obituary page and have my heart shattered. A deeply painful reminder not to ever put off keeping in touch. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. I know this is over 4 years later, and I know too that the feelings of such a loss are profound and indelible. Much love to all. RIP "Teedee" DMH

i miss you

I was one of Mrs. Keaninis first students at Vallecito first when she was an aide Thursday and Friday's for my fourth grade class and then I was thrilled to get her as my full time teacher in 5th grade. I think I had a crush on her from the first time I saw her and would joke that I was actually older then her because she was born on a leap year. I remember hearing stories of her husband with the best job ever making videos games at broaderbund, and the crazy house its owner had built with secret rooms. I remember her being hormonal and pregnant and breaking down in front of all of us because she wanted so much for us to be good to eachother and for the world to be good for her children. It was the first time an adult dropped the act and spoke to us as people, I remember us all crying and hugging her together. She was my favorite teacher throughout my entire life. She always had foxy haircuts and an edge that was so genuine and cool. Im currently in Ireland with family for a wedding feeling grateful and thought to look her up to tell her thanks for being so great. Then I found this page and am gutted. The last time I saw her was at the YMCA years and years after 5th grade, she was haranguing her now growing kids to this it that but was still as beautiful as ever and so happy to see the man I was becoming! For the family or friends that read this of course I offer my condolences but an so sad myself because she was also mine. I love you Mrs. Keanini

I was a student of Mrs. Keanini when I was in 5th grade at Vallecito, and I'm so sad to discover tonight that she's passed away. I'm 29 now, living in Nashville, and just randomly had a funny memory tonight of when I once used the phrase "half-assed" in her classroom (having somehow been under the impression that the phrase was "half-fast") and Mrs. Keanini had the unenviable task of pulling me aside and letting me know candidly that I was actually repeatedly swearing in front of all my 12-year-old peers. I had this memory out of the blue tonight, and then felt a wave of joy thinking that Mrs. Keanini is probably still teaching kids out in California, and that it might be nice to reach out and say hello after all these years. I wanted to tell her that I remember her very fondly and that I hope she and her family are doing well. But when I went to find her on facebook I discovered the tragic news that she's no longer with us, and I'm so sorry to hear it. It's truly such a loss.

Thank you Mrs. Keanini for being so kind, smart and nurturing to me, and for helping me get through 5th grade. It was not the easiest time for me, but you made it better. Thank you for encouraging me to be silly and sing for the class during share-time on Monday mornings - It fueled my love for performing. Thank you for also holding me to high standards with my work and projects - I really needed it at that time. Thank you for introducing me to the song Mele Kalikimaka - I still know all the words. Thank you for allowing me to read books by Pat Conroy during silent reading with the super enlarged font-size, which I only did because they had higher page counts and made me feel super smart and mature (Conroy's writing was arguably too adult for me at the time, but he's now my favorite author.) Thank you for introducing me to the history of California Missions. I recently visited San Juan Capistrano, and knew more about it than I thought. Thank you for making me memorize all the state capitals. I know I failed that test the first time (my first F ever, and I was devastated!), but you let me take it again and I studied hard and got an A. I remember you with such respect, gratitude and love, and I always will. I hope you are at peace and joyful wherever you may be and that your family and friends are all doing well. I wish I had reached out sooner, and I wish you were still with us. Thank you so much.

On behalf of Dr. Bratcher Runyan and staff, we are truly sorry for your loss. Theresa was an amazing person. Her determination to beat this was very inspiring. We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Alex- My heart is truly heavy for you and your family. I was TJ's 1st grade teacher and I babysat all 3 of you. Your mom was a beautiful, caring person. She gave me a beautiful wishing wand so all my dreams come true. The wand is in my car, I've had it there for years. She truly thought of others happiness and joy. I'm glad I got to know her. Lots of love and prayers to the family.

Theresa was a beautiful and passionate woman and will be deeply missed. My condolences to the entire family; please know that Sean and I are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Juli

I will always remember Theresa's generosity of spirit and loving kindness. My deepest sympathy to all her loved ones. So many fond memories. Wishes for peace.

I met Theresa when I worked with Tim at Broderbund Software. Alexandra was entering the first grade when we became friends. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to all of the family. Theresa will be deeply missed.

Thank you Theresa for creating such a loving family for Kristina.It meant so much to her and to me as well. You will be forever missed,

Oh Linda & Dick & family...Our heartfelt sympathy, love and prayers to you. Blessings and peace to your beautiful Theresa. 
Rudy & Barb

My heart is so heavy as I sit and think of the most wonderful days I spent with Theresa. This season is especially hard since we loved it so.  She was always such a light in my life from meeting each other at 17 to raising our children together. I have and always will love you, my dear friend. I will miss you so much.

Theresa was such a light in my classroom, when I taught her son TJ in 3rd grade at Hamilton Elementary School.
When the family moved to Austin, I was able to visit them in their new home. This memory will always be in my heart. All my love to the family❤️❤️❤️I love you!

So much of what defines us in life are the people we love and the life and memories we share. From the time my wife and I started dating Theresa became a part of my life. From our wedding day to the birth of our children, Theresa was there with her beautiful smile. Our times spent together with our first born in Hawaii, to our time as neighbors in San Rafael and San Anselmo, and our trips to the "Knolls" made it seem like during our young married lives we were all inseparable. It is so hard to believe you are gone, but I am happy you are now at peace.
You will be missed and will always hold a place in our heart.

So sorry to learn of Theresa's passing. Thoughts and prayers to he family during this difficult time. I will always remember her beauty and smile from high school days.