Remembering Therese Law
by Ligia Montano, SDA’s Director of Education and Partnerships
We want to honor our dear Therese Law, a longtime member of SDA who recently passed away. Therese participated in many important SDA campaigns, including Free Muni and the free wheelchair repair program. For years, she joined us to celebrate Disability Capitol Action Day in Sacramento. She was one of the most active members in the various campaigns for Long-Term Services and Supports, while also joining us in the California Domestic Workers Coalition’s efforts to pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.
Therese speaking at SDA’s Annual Celebration, held at Lighthouse for the Blind, about why she was a member and why people should donate to SDA.
I met Therese during the 2014 annual celebration; she was a dynamo when it came to moving the snacks around. To be honest, I felt a bit intimidated at first, but we quickly formed a wonderful bond. I always loved her wit and her quick, funny remarks. She was a shining example of how a commitment to social justice can go hand-in-hand with humor and authentic relationships.
She loved her cats—both the real ones and the "Realistic Breathing Cat Plush Toy" that Alice Chiu (Ali) gave her when she could no longer care for a live cat. She even took her toy cat to the hospital; Ali told me that when the nurses and doctors couldn't get a reaction from Therese, the moment her friend brought in the toy cat and it made a sound, Therese responded and began talking to it.
Therese was great fun and full of stories. She was always joking with everyone at SDA; even in the final hours of her life, she shared a joke with Ali, who lovingly stayed by her side until the end.
Personally, I will miss Therese. As an organization, SDA has lost a member deeply committed to social justice for all. Rest in peace, Therese; your life advanced our struggle to create a better city for older adults and people with disabilities.
