Dr. Theresa Da Costa

Dr. Theresa Da Costa
Dr. Theresa Da Costa

Dr. Theresa Da Costa, 65, of Canyon, TX died Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Rosary will be said at 6:00 p.m., Monday, December 14, 2020, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Canyon, TX. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, TX.

Theresa was born in Kamuli, Uganda on May 2, 1955, to Christostomos Emedios D’Costa and Anastansia D’Costa. When she was a teenager, she was moved from Uganda to Europe before moving to Jersey City, New Jersey. She worked full time at St. Mary’s Elementary as a secretary to the principal, who encouraged her to finish her high school education while supporting her five siblings in the 1970s. While working full time, she accomplished 4 years of American high school education in one year. After completion, she started college at St. Peter College in Englewood Cliffs for two years before transferring to Colombia College, in Colombia, South Carolina, where she met Esmail Jiwa. Her next move would bring her to Canyon, Texas to attend West Texas State University. While attending WTSU, she worked for Amarillo Independent School District at Horace Mann and eventually was offered a position at Tascosa High School teaching English and Tae Kwon Do to at-risk students. After seven years, she took a position for Canyon Independent School District to teach at Randall High School. While co-owning her own Tae Kwon Do studio/business, she taught English Literature at RHS, took care of her three young children and she taught at-risk students on campus and off, and school graded papers till after the nightly news was finished. In 1996 she received her master’s degree from WT. In 1998, she accepted a position at Canyon High School and would eventually retire from CISD and go on to teach at Amarillo College. In 2017, while teaching full time, she accomplished getting her PH.D. She was always found to be grading papers or taking on huge gardening projects when she was not taking care of her grandchildren. She was dedicated to education in all forms not only for herself but for others.

Theresa was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, one sister, three brothers, and several uncles.

Survivors include her children, Adam Jiwa, Faruk Jiwa, and Shabir Jiwa; granddaughter, Aniyha Jiwa; grandsons, Brandon Jiwa, Braylon Jiwa, and Julian Jiwa; her brothers, Anthony D’Costa, Francis D’Costa, John “Chief” D’Costa, and Joseph D’Costa; sisters, Josephine DeSouza, Hortencia D’Costa, Lucia D’Costa, Cecily D’Costa, and Martha D’Costa. She also leaves her extended family around the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be sent to the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries, P.O. Box 305, Groom, TX, 79039.

21 Replies to “Dr. Theresa Da Costa”

  1. Da Costa was the best teacher I had at Amarillo college. I had a gap of five years before going back there. She helped prepare me for the rest of my college years to come. In the beginning I was only a C average in writing English papers. She taught me how to think and how to write. I’ll never forget her. She was a great woman. I remember how excited she was when she received her PhD. I am sorry to hear she has left us so soon. She was a remarkable and wonderful soul.

  2. Our deepest condolence to our friend Faruk and the family! I’m just learning of this today while at AC. 💔We are so sorry for your loss! Your mom, Ms. Jiwa( as I knew her from middle school) was an absolutely beautiful person inside and out! Our love and prayers to you all!❤️

  3. Dearest sister,you left us way too soon,and it won’t be the same to know that I can’t hear your voice when I called. But,you have left behind years of beautiful memories which I will always and forever cherish and celebrate. It’s been a blessing to have been in your company. Rest in peace,dear sister.

  4. What a remarkable woman and legacy she leaves behind. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. Her life story, live for others and goals are an inspiration to all of us! You are in my heart. -Canyon High Graduate of 2001.

  5. Though I didn’t know Theresa well, every time I met her, I was impressed. She was a woman of dignity, intelligence, strength, and faith. Once she encouraged me become a national board certified teacher as she was. I was so flattered that she thought I could do something like that. The world is less good without her.

  6. So sad about your passing dear aunt Theresa, May the Good Lord grant you eternal rest and comfort you family during this trying moment.

  7. I still can’t believe that my dearest friend Theresa is no more!!! We were in the middle of making plans for our reunion after 19 years! I have known Theresa for the past 45years! Theresa was known for caring and humble nature.. Always wanting to help, and has been there for me and my family through my most difficult times! She will always be remembered for her encouragement and support! We all in Goa will miss you terribly. May her soul rest in peace!!

  8. Theresa inspired everyone to be their best version of themselves. I will miss her optimism and encouragement, her friendship, unfailing kindness, and sweet smile.

  9. I am shocked to hear of her passing. She was a kind, sweet, beautiful lady. She brought sunshine into a room and made me laugh many times. She was a joyful bundle of love. She called me many times when I was sick to check in on me. I regret we didn’t get to keep our lunch date. I will miss her and her smile. I am keeping her family in my prayers.

  10. So saddened by the loss of my sister in law. We had made arrangements to meet but the journeys from both sides never materialised. Had hoped to meet on my next visit to the country. Dear God my sister is in safe hands with you we pray that yu strengthen and uphold us as a family during this trial period. We thank yu for the time yu gave her to us and all that she managed to do including making a smile to others. We shall miss her dearly. May her soul rest in peace.
    Nalongo Kiggundu Tamale

  11. Its a sorry for me , she meant a lot to me . I am very sad to lose someone important like in our life. I bringmy sorrows to the family ….

  12. Am saddened by the passing of Ms. Theresa. I got to know her in 2013. She was an Auntie to my lovely daughter Zara whom she was so fond of. We visited her in 2014 and spent Xmas with her. She was such a loving, caring soul, so family oriented and full of wisdon. We always spoke and chatted since then with last text message from her telling me to be careful about COVID19 and that it was deadly. May your sound rest in eternal peace dear Theresa. May the Angels celebrate you. Till we meet again.

  13. We loved you but the lord loved you most. From your Sota Africa here in Uganda it’s not been easy for him to accept.
    He knew that every celebration you took it upto you to make sure he never lacks anything. Our prayer is that the lords gives you a special seat in heaven.
    I love you aunty Theresa and always will.
    Please watch over us from up there❤️

  14. Theresa was a wonderful friend, mentor, and co-worker at Amarillo College. My deepest condolences to her beautiful family whom I know meant the world to her. Theresa had a true passion to help others and especially the less fortunate. I enjoyed our early morning plant excursions and learning about the healing properties of eucalyptus and essential oils from her. May you Fly High with the Angels, my sweet friend. You will be greatly missed.

  15. I remember the first time I got to meet Theresa! I just fell in love with her gentle smile, her great and clever sense of humor and her loving being. I am devastated, as we all are at Amarillo College, by her loss. Each unique person can never be replaced in this world. Theresa left us way too soon. This world feels darker for her loss! May God sweep her up into His arms, and may her family be comforted at this time by the memories of this wonderful human being. We are all richer, and sadder today for having known her.
    Dr. Deborah Harding

  16. Theresa was infinitely kind and always willing to engage in conversation as a way of welcoming others; she was a terrific listener. She will always be missed and admired.

  17. What an awesome amazing life achievement Dr Theresa DaCosta. So so sad to leave all your loved ones family and friends just as you were ready to devote your time with them all, but God’s needs were greater than yours. You are in a better place, all that you did for your country, you could not be saved. You will be watching over them all from Heaven above. I’ve only known of you from your beautiful niece Helen how we prayed so hard for you.? She loved you and misses you dearly. God only knows how hard it is for all your family. God please give them all the strength and courage to carry on taking with them your life achievement to be so proud of your legacy. You were one gem of a person. Eternal Rest Grant unto her oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon Her. May your precious Soul Rest In Peace. Amen🙏 Ellie Fernandes

  18. I am so saddened by the passing of my Auntie Theresa a lady that spoke so full of wisdom and when I came to the states she were really wanted me to go back to school and have a better future. I am sad that we had jst made arrangements for me to go see her in Texas since I hadn’t met her yet but my father spoke so.highly of her.
    May the angels receive u Auntie
    Rest in peace

  19. I knew Theresa for quite a while, always as a soft spoken person who chose her words thoughtfully, carefully. She was so kind. She invited me to visit a shrine with her, I believe it is in Alabama, Mother Angelica ‘s. She said she usually drove where ever she traveled but wanted me to know she some times experienced delays in her travels because “people are sometimes uncomfortable with people, things they don’t understand ” She said she had driven to Mother Angelica ‘s several times and “never really had much trouble and didn’t think there was a concern but wanted me to make an informed decision ” I thought I could see in her eyes a touch of the suffering she had lived. I marveled at her faith, hope and persevering love of God, family and people in general. I never felt or witnessed bitterness, hate or revenge. She is an inspiration to me. I will miss her.

  20. I considered Theresa a friend of mine. She was at my dad’s funeral and was always listening to my request to prayer for my family or for myself. She was an exceptional person who had many adventures and did God’s work consistently. Her family and grand children meant the world to her. She will be missed by many and will most certainly be missed by me.

  21. We were so saddened and shocked to hear of Theresa’s passing! She was the sweetest, kindest lady and will be dearly missed! She befriended my parents about 20 years agoafter Dad found her lost ring at the high school and has visited and called my Mom regularly ever since. Mom considered her a best friend and loved her dearly! Her loss is truly one that will be felt in our hearts for a long time to come! We pray for comfort for all her family and many friends during this difficult time! God Bless!

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