Teresa Maria Couto Nelson
February 6, 1945 ~ January 25, 2021
Teresa Maria Couto Nelson, age 75
Teresa Nelson, former Vienna, Virginia, resident died January 25, 2021, at the Winchester, Medical Center after a prolonged illness, and the effects of COVID-19.
Teresa Maria Couto Nelson was born in Oporto, North Portugal, on February 6,1945 to mother, Julia Afonsina Guedes and father, Danilo Luis Goncalvez Couto. Teresa was educated in Portugal and early in life worked for British Overseas Airways. In fact became a “poster girl” for the airline, her picture prominently displayed on many of the airline’s early advertising posters. Teresa met her future husband Tom in Portugal and they married on November 26, 1969 in Gibraltar. Shortly thereafter, Teresa became a U.S. citizen and embraced her new country, making it her own. Teresa served her country for 25 years with distinction, as a member of the U.S. Intelligence community, serving in a number of foreign countries with her husband and young son, Marc. Teresa was the recipient of many awards and kudos throughout her career in service to the United States.
Teresa is survived by beloved son Marc, daughter-in-law Kristina, beloved grandson Spencer and her many loyal and loving friends.
Teresa was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom, who passed away on October 19, 2019, her parents Julia and Danilo and her granddaughter, Virginia, who died at birth.
Teresa is best known for her compassion, her kindness and her concern for those less fortunate. Her devotion and love of family and friends was truly remarkable, as was her love and care of wildlife, making her home a bird and wildlife sanctuary. Her friends and relatives especially remember all the times she provided loving care for their pets. Her family and friends will never forget the many amazing gourmet dinners hosted by Teresa and Tom. Teresa was also known for her courage and fortitude, as a two-time cancer survivor. Her zest for life and her adventurous spirit included backpacking in India, game parks in Africa and life in several exciting South American countries. The many loving memories of Teresa will live on in the stories yet untold by her family and by her many friends and colleagues.
No services will be held due to the Cornavirus. The Money and King Funeral Home, Vienna, Va. will post a memory wall for Teresa. Friends and family are invited to provide expressions of sympathy and vignettes of their friendship with Teresa.
Donations in Teresa’s name may be sent to: Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses, or; Planned Parenthood, ASPCA or the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
Teresa Nelson, former Vienna, Virginia, resident died January 25, 2021, at the Winchester, Medical Center after a prolonged illness, and the effects of COVID-19.
Teresa Maria Couto Nelson was born in Oporto, North Portugal, on February 6,1945 to mother, Julia Afonsina Guedes and father, Danilo Luis Goncalvez Couto. Teresa was educated in Portugal and early in life worked for British Overseas Airways. In fact became a “poster girl” for the airline, her picture prominently displayed on many of the airline’s early advertising posters. Teresa met her future husband Tom in Portugal and they married on November 26, 1969 in Gibraltar. Shortly thereafter, Teresa became a U.S. citizen and embraced her new country, making it her own. Teresa served her country for 25 years with distinction, as a member of the U.S. Intelligence community, serving in a number of foreign countries with her husband and young son, Marc. Teresa was the recipient of many awards and kudos throughout her career in service to the United States.
Teresa is survived by beloved son Marc, daughter-in-law Kristina, beloved grandson Spencer and her many loyal and loving friends.
Teresa was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom, who passed away on October 19, 2019, her parents Julia and Danilo and her granddaughter, Virginia, who died at birth.
Teresa is best known for her compassion, her kindness and her concern for those less fortunate. Her devotion and love of family and friends was truly remarkable, as was her love and care of wildlife, making her home a bird and wildlife sanctuary. Her friends and relatives especially remember all the times she provided loving care for their pets. Her family and friends will never forget the many amazing gourmet dinners hosted by Teresa and Tom. Teresa was also known for her courage and fortitude, as a two-time cancer survivor. Her zest for life and her adventurous spirit included backpacking in India, game parks in Africa and life in several exciting South American countries. The many loving memories of Teresa will live on in the stories yet untold by her family and by her many friends and colleagues.
No services will be held due to the Cornavirus. The Money and King Funeral Home, Vienna, Va. will post a memory wall for Teresa. Friends and family are invited to provide expressions of sympathy and vignettes of their friendship with Teresa.
Donations in Teresa’s name may be sent to: Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses, or; Planned Parenthood, ASPCA or the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
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Marc, Kris and Spencer, I share in your grief and feel truly blessed to have counted Teresa as a true and deeply valued friend. She was an inspiration to many, she was valiant, brave and one of the classiest ladies I have ever known. Through Teresa I met her life long friend Milita, the three of us share many wonderful memories, that will bind us forever, no matter whether on earth or elsewhere. Teresa, you are well loved!!!
Today would have been Teresa’s 77 birthday! I miss her so!!
I can think of no greater tribute to Teresa than planting trees in her honor. Those trees will provide sanctuary to the wild life she loved.
Teresa was an extraordinary Lady. For ten years we shared cubicles in a government facility where i got to witness her uncommon generosity and compassion for others. One could not converse with Teresa without admiring her keen intellect and articulation on any subject while conveying respect for others’ views. It was an honor for me to be one of her many friends. May she rest in peace eternally and may God bless and protect her son Marc and his family. Dom Perriello
My beloved Teresa. You were a very generous, loving spirit. I shall never forget you. I shall love you forever. Till we meet again. A big hug.
Our heartfelt condolences to Marc, Kris and Spencer for their loss of such an special mom and grandma. She loved her family so much that you will be sprinkled with it every day of your lives. We will pray for you to find peace at this difficult time Love, Susy and Gary Guertin
There would be no-one in a room that wouldn’t be in awe of this incredibly beautiful, articulate, kind, intelligent, generous (and so much loved by my brother Tom) lady. It is shocking to know that she too has passed. I had only been to Teresa and Tom’s home one time because I live on the other side of the U.S. but I remember what a magnificent host Teresa was with her coffee table laden with all kinds of treats for us. She had to have worked on it all day. So very sad that Teresa and Tom are both gone now and no longer at their lovely home they shared for many years. There was no one like Teresa and I doubt there ever will be. Rest in Peace beautiful lady. You completed your ‘job’ and did it with the grace and class that was so much a part of you. Love Linda (Nelson)
A candle was lit for the decedent.
The world is a lot less brighter this week without Teresa. She was one of a kind, and I’m so privileged to have known her for 20 years. I will always remember her zest for life, passion, courage, beauty, intellect, wit, and humor. Heaven has now gained a beautiful angel. You are reunited with Tom, your parents and granddaughter. May you rest in peace, beautiful soul. I will never forget you. Until we meet again… To Marc, Kris, Spencer, and family members, I send you my heartfelt condolences, prayers and strength during this difficult time. May you always cherish your wonderful memories of Teresa.
Teresa Nelson will remain in our hearts forever.
To an extraordinary woman, who touched my life, for over 40 years. Thank you for your kindness, your support and encouragement. Love you Teresa!
Teresa amazed us with her gracious friendliness to everyone. She could cook a fine cuisine meal with ease. She loved all the animals and birds.
Teresa was a beautiful soul who always made me feel welcome in her presence. I remember many of her hugs with glittering jewelry and lovely smelling perfume. Her smile was infectious and her stories of her incredible life captivated many a room. She will be missed.
In memory of an amazing, confident and loving friend of the family. What a beautiful lived she lived, and she will be missed by so many.
A minha Madrinha de coração ! Querida Teresa Madrinha, Desapareci da sua vida sem querer, e só hoje vim a saber, que durante este meu desaparecimento deu-se o seu triste falecimento, sobre o qual nunca me fiz conhecer, até este serão de lamento , E de tal estremecimento, fez-se uma noite fria de desalento, e de mim surgem estas palavras sem reconhecimento, Este verso tardio de evento, com o meu atrasado agradecimento, E todos os pêsames do meu ser! Estou muito grato por me ter cruzado consigo nesta vida, e de a ter tido como minha amiga! João Pedrasvasconcelos
I’m saddened to hear of my dear friends passing. We first met in India and became fast friends., forty years and never losing touch. she was a true pal. I’ll miss her terribly. Rene (Carlisle) Stewart