Obituary of Theresa Pauline Chiarelli

Theresa Pauline Chiarelli (Frank) was called by Almighty God on June 18, 2022. She died peacefully in her home on June 18, 2022 at the age of 60. Her unwavering faith gave her comfort as she transitioned to grace with her husband and children at her side. 

Theresa was born on October 21, 1961 in Willmar, MN to Christian & Pauline Frank. She graduated High School in 1979 and attended Winona State University and The College of Saint Teresa where she earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Music Therapy. 

After graduation, Theresa taught elementary school until her love for travel led her to a career as a Flight Attendant for Northwest Airlines in 1986. While working in Japan, she met Rob Chiarelli in 1989 and they married in 1995. They have two children; Robert & Angela. In 1997 the family moved to Agoura Hills, where Theresa was a dedicated and loving mother who worked part time in the health care industry and helped manage her husband’s music career.

In 2015, Theresa returned to teaching at iLead Charter school and in 2017 began teaching full time at Ararat Charter School in Van Nuys, CA. She was deeply loved by all of her students, their parents and her colleagues.

Theresa was also an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the organ and the accordion. She loved to travel and enjoyed cooking, hiking and spending time with family and friends. Throughout her life, Theresa was courageous, honest and faithful. Those who knew her would say her spirit was filled with love and light. When recently asked about her purpose in life, she said “My calling is to be good to everyone”. Her smile, grace and easy laugh can never be replaced. Her tenderness, sensitivity, strength, and beauty were a true gift. She will be dearly missed.

Theresa is survived by her beloved husband, Rob, children Robert and Angela, sisters Virginia (Leo) Breyer, Marge Hanson, Cornella Blokzyl, Dorothy (Calvin) Quimby, brothers Don (April) Frank, Steve (Wanda) Frank, Joe Frank, brother-in-law Mike (Charlene) Chiarelli, 37 nieces and nephews, 25 great nieces & nephews, and 7 great, great nieces and nephews. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, sister Joann De Ramus Oxford, brother Patrick Frank, nephew James De Ramus, mother-in-law Evelyn Chiarelli, and several great nieces & nephews.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, June 30th at St Jude's Catholic Church in Westlake Village at 10:00AM. A reception will follow and all are welcome to attend.

Please feel free to donate to the Amarican Cancer Society, instead of sending  flowers, in honor of Theresa's memory. You can make that donation here: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html  

A Celebration of Life will also be held in Theresa’s honor in the coming weeks. Please leave your contact information so you can be notified. All are welcome.