Theresa Marie Janousek

Obituary for Theresa (Terry) Janousek

Theresa Marie (Ortega) Janousek (Terry, “Little T”), 65, was born on October 11, 1959, in Tucson, Arizona, to George and Teresa Ortega. The fifth of seven children, Terry grew up in a large and loving family. She cherished her childhood in Tucson, attending St. John’s Catholic School and graduating from Sunnyside High School, where she played clarinet in the marching band and developed her lifelong love of music.

After graduation, Terry began a career in retail, where she became known for her strong work ethic and natural gift for serving others. In 1980, she moved to Portland, Oregon, to live with her sister Marcia and continue her career. It was there that she met the love of her life, David Janousek. They soon married, and not long after welcomed their greatest joy, their son, Dominic.

As David served in the U.S. Navy, the family lived in Long Beach, California, before eventually settling in Nebraska following his retirement. David pursued a career in business management while Terry continued her work in retail and pharmacy operations. More than anything, she dedicated herself to raising Dominic and supporting David with love, strength, and devotion. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

In 2000, David passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. With resilience and grace, Terry devoted herself to raising Dominic and creating a home filled with love. For the past 25 years, the two were inseparable, caring for and supporting one another through all of life’s seasons.

Later, Terry and Dominic relocated to Sun City, Arizona, where she continued her career in pharmacy. She was deeply committed to her patients, many of whom were also her neighbors, ensuring their medications were delivered with care and consistency. Upon retirement, Terry became active in her church community, where she formed close friendships, volunteered generously, and found joy in serving others.

Terry is survived by her beloved son, Dominic Janousek; her siblings George Ortega, Clarissa (Jesse) Vejar, Jim (Debbie) Ortega, Marcia O’Neal, Steve (Mary) Ortega, and John (Leah) Ortega; her brothers-in-law Doug Janousek and Dan Janousek, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Janousek; her parents, George and Teresa Ortega; her brother-in-law, Pete O’Neal; and her sister-in-law, Diane Ortega.

Terry will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her quiet strength, her sense of humor, and the deep love she gave so freely. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 14001 N. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Terry’s memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), in honor of both Terry and her late husband, David: https://pancan.org/ways-to-give/