Therese Bridget Strain passed suddenly from this world on August 21, 2026, at her home in Portland. Therese was born April 17, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, to her proud parents Joseph and Barbara Strain. The Strain family moved to Houston three years later in 1958, and settled in Portland in 1961. Therese was the third of ten children. She entertained and deeply loved her six sisters and three brothers, enjoying a happy and fun childhood. Her family was her most precious treasure.

Always a talented writer, she won the Daughters of the American Revolution annual essay contest while in the 8th grade at the Cathedral School. She graduated from Gregory Portland High School in 1973, and following a family tradition, was awarded “Wittiest.” She graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with an English degree. While attending UT she held many jobs, her favorite being secretary to the UT Student Government, run by the newly elected “Arts & Sausages Absurdist Party”— some say the origins of Keep Austin Weird! In the 1980s Therese made two extended visits to Michelle and Dan in New York City. Working through a temp agency she was a sought-after Administrator in the publishing and design industries. She could choose her assignments and enjoyed numerous adventures and made many friends in the Big Apple.

Back in Corpus Christi she had a successful career in the oil and gas industry working as a lease analyst. She went independent as Strain Land Services in 2004, and though semi-retired, she was performing contract work till the day she passed. She was admired by her colleagues for her attention to detail and her extensive research skills. She became friends with many colleagues and stayed in touch, meeting their children and sometimes their grandchildren.

Therese was active in our Democracy. She has served as San Patricio Democratic Party Chair, an election Judge and volunteered throughout her adulthood. She was currently serving on the San Patricio Ballot Board. She believed and lived the principle of caring for those less fortunate. Social justice was a cause she held close to her heart and supported in many ways.

Therese was beautiful, intelligent, interesting, loving, genuine and funny, funny, funny. But as Mom said “Therese will tell you how the cow ate the cabbage.” She could be blunt, but she was always honest. Her Halloween costumes are legendary and her comic timing peerless. She was a supportive and generous daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. In her twenties friends gave her the nickname Tudy because she took “too damn long.” It stuck with her nieces and nephews. She adored and doted on her nieces and nephews, celebrating all their accomplishments and supporting their goals. Treating them to birthday lunches was one of her favorite times. She kept in contact with family, friends, and associates. She made calls, sent cards, a quick text, or a visit if possible. Therese was always there if you needed her. When our parents and our brother Chris passed, she took the reins and guided us through legal and logical steps. We will miss our Sister, our Guide.

Therese is predeceased by her father and mother, her beloved brother Chris and brothers-in-law Robert Witkowski and Dennis Reed. She is survived by her eight siblings: Stephanie Witkowski, Michelle King (Dan), Greta Strain, Shawn Strain, Patrick Strain (Bonnie), Nicolas Strain (Patti), Rachel Militello (Mark) and Rebecca Newman (Jose). She leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Justin Witkowski (Jessica), Therese Witkowski, Greg King (Stephanie), Nathan Sellers, Phoebe Botsford (Ben), Wilson Strain, Katherine, Donovan and Charlotte Strain and Mia, Tess and Giana Militello and great-nephews, Jonas, Lucas and Colin Witkowski. She also leaves behind her many cousins and countless friends. Therese was loved and will be missed by many.

In her memory, donations may be made to the Coastal Bend Food Bank, The Free Store C.C. (freestorecc2022(@gmail.com), or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at 5 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Winstead’s Funeral Home, with a celebration of Therese’s life beginning at 6 PM.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home.

361-643-6564 | www.WinsteadsFuneralHome.com