HARLINGEN, TX. — Teresa Laura Schultz

75, of Harlingen, TX, passed away at Sunshine Haven in Olmito, TX, on Monday, 17 November 2008, after her bout with Myelo Dysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which had recently progressed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Born on 18 December 1932, she was the first child of Bert Chesi and Rena Vercellino in Grimes, IA, where she spent the majority of her childhood. She lived in the south side and south suburban area of Chicago during the balance of her youth and into adulthood. Mrs. Schultz worked for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in Chicago until 1975, when she and her husband moved to Des Moines, IA, where they owned and operated an A&W drive-in restaurant. After closing the restaurant in 1985, they moved permanently to Harlingen, TX, where they both became school bus drivers. Mrs. Schultz retired from HCISD in 1997 after 11 years of service. Over the years she was exceptionally skilled and prolific in the many areas of needlework, including knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitch, as well as sewing, needlepoint, and rug-hooking.

Mrs. Schultz was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 35 years, Myron R. Schultz, Sr., who passed away in January of this year after his long battle with cancer. Laura and Myron were sweethearts while attending Thornton Township High School in Harvey, IL, and were later reunited and married in 1972 after raising their respective families.

She is survived by her daughter, Anita McBroom Bernard of Edinburg, TX, son, Samuel George (Janet) McBroom, Jr. of Monticello, IN, granddaughters, Andrea J. Bernard of Seattle, WA, Jennilee (Mike) Gergets of Hampton, VA, and Samantha J.T.C.E. Bernard of Edinburg, TX, and great-grandchildren, Jasper Emlyn Bernard-Jones of Seattle and Aubrey Jade Gergets of Hampton, as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her aunt, Dorene (Gib) McConnell of Indianola, IA, brothers, Robert W. (Harriet) Chesi of Kerrville, TX, and Raymond E. (Diane) Chesi of Lombard, IL, nephews, Bryan and Adam Chesi of Lombard, and many, many cousins. In addition, Mrs. Schultz is survived by her closest and greatly cherished companion, Buffy, her tiny toy poodle.

Arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home. Memorial visitation will be from 10am-4pm at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home on Saturday 22 November 2008. You may sign the online guestbook at www.buck-ashcraft.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Teresa Laura Schultz to the following: United Blood Services (whole blood and platelets), M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (whole blood, platelets, plasma and white cells), The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America (money), and Sunshine Haven (money, service, wish list items).

Sign the guestbook at: http://legacy.com/Valleystar/Obituaries.asp