Thea (Theresia) Pieternella Hess
April 1, 1945 - July 24, 2026
OBITUARY
It is with deep sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Thea Hess on July 24, 2026, at the age of 81. Daughter of Klaas and Alaberta Terlouw, Thea was born on April 1, 1945, in Den Helder, Netherlands. She was the youngest of four children. As a child, she enjoyed ice skating on the canals in the winter, gymnastics in school, and playing the organ at home.
Her family immigrated to Stockton, California in 1957. She was known as Dutchie Girl to the new friends she made and went to Beauty College after high school. She married Hugo Hess in 1963, resided in San Mateo and then back to Lodi. Thea was highly creative in all aspects of her life. She was a very good cook and created her own recipes appreciating different flavor profiles. She enjoyed crafting, gardening, singing, and loved animals, especially dogs. Her favorite place to be was by the ocean.
Thea is survived by the following: her husband, Hugo; her daughters, Elaine (Kevin) Teague and Heidi (David) Huff; her grandchildren, Joshua, Ryan, Megan, David, Caitlin, Heather, and Joe; 8 great-grandchildren; her brother Klaas Terlouw, and other close family members who will forever cherish the love, sense of humor, and joy she shared.
Thea was preceded in death by her parents, Klaas and Alaberta Terlouw, and her siblings, Nel Knight and Frank Terlouw.
If you would like to make a donation in her name, please donate to Sharks4Kids, www.sharks4kids.com/donate
FUNERAL SERVICE
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 10:00am in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Reception to follow in J Charles Irwin Reception Center at Cherokee Memorial Park
Thea wanted her celebration of life to reflect the joy she brought to others. In her honor, please wear cheerful, vibrant colors instead of traditional black attire.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hess family.
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