Theresa Esztergalyos, 79

Our dear Theresa Louise, born April 2, 1946, in Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away at age 79 on Jan. 7, 2026, in Seattle, Wash.

Theresa attended St. Thomas elementary school and later, the Academy of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and continued her education at Marylhurst University near Portland, Ore. Before graduating from Marylhurst, Theresa met a man from Hungary, Jules Esztergalyos. He soon asked her to be his bride and in 1968, they were married. Theresa and Jules were blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Maria, and the family made their home in Vancouver, Wash.

For many years, Theresa belonged to the Crafts Unlimited Holiday Boutique group, where she sold her beautifully detailed Clothespin Dolls. Theresa was known for her kindness, strength and deep devotion to her family. She was an avid reader and an excellent cook, especially of Hungarian cuisine. She was a true artist: drawing, painting, sewing, poetry, needlework and piano. 

For the final 14 months of her life, Theresa resided at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility (Admiral Heights) in Seattle, Wash. During that time, she made many friends and even began a small art class for fellow residents.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Esztergalyos and Maria Esztergalyos; her son-in-law, Eric Hanson; her grandchildren, Louise Schiele, Charles and Rex Hanson; her sister, Celine (Smith) Lehman and eight nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth J. (Hudon) Smith; her father, Paul W. Smith; her brothers, Paul Smith Jr. and Dennis Smith; her husband, Jules Esztergalyos; and her son-in-law, Kenneth Schiele.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8701 NE 119th St., Vancouver, Wash., on Jan. 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.