Teresa Kunstman, 57-Year Resident

Teresa Kunstman passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 12. Teresa and her husband, Arthur, moved to Pacific Palisades in 1957.

Teresa was born the youngest of three children on May 26, 1925, in Lima, Peru. Her given name was Maria Teresa de Buendia. She had two older brothers, Juan and Alfonso, respectively. Teresa came from a long line of Buendias; her grandfather was a General in the Peruvian Army whose valor was documented in Peruvian history books.

Teresa lived in Peru until her early 20s. She then boarded a ship headed for the United States where she settled into her new life in Chicago, Illinois. There she accepted a job as a translator at Berlitz Language School. Endowed with exotic South American features, it was not long before she was swept off her feet by Arthur “Art” Kunstman of Chicago. They were married on Dec. 28, 1952. They shared a special love that flourished for the next 53 years until Art’s passing in 2004.

As newlyweds, they loaded the car and followed their hearts to the Bay Area of Northern Calif. After a few  years, they found their way south to Glendale and eventually settled into their first home in the Palisades. After four years, they moved two blocks over and would call that house “home” for the next 53 years.

Devoted parents, Art and Teresa raised two daughters, Carmen and Margo – both attended Palisades Elementary, Paul Revere Junior High and Palisades High School in the 1960s and 70s.

Art and Teresa enjoyed their travels to Alaska, Peru, Chicago, Europe and local jaunts to San Simeon. Teresa loved and enjoyed swimming several times a week. She had a passion for cooking and was an excellent cook. Many family meals were enjoyed by all. She liked picking oranges and lemons from her trees, colored glass, square dancing with Art and the simple things in life.

Teresa is survived by her two married daughters, Carmen Urenda (and Frank); Margo Permut (and Alan); sister-in-law Shirley Malus; five grandchildren Michelle, Chris, Jeff, Brian and Alex; nephews Juan and Bob; nieces Rosario, Carmen, Patricia, Diana and Patti. Teresa was a kind and gentle woman who will be missed and remembered dearly for her beautiful soul. She will remain in our hearts forever.