Theresa Agnes Gabel

Theresa Agnes Gabel, 77 of Corrales, passed away on Saturday, April 18th, in Albuquerque.

Theresa was born on August 27th, 1948 in La Joya, NM to Rosarita Esquivel and Dennis C’de Baca. At a young age she moved with her family to Socorro, NM and later attended University of New Mexico.

Theresa built a long and meaningful career in banking, dedicating more than 36 years to the industry. She was the heart of First Community Bank, known for lifting others up and bringing out their very best. She had a gift for seeing potential in people and helping them believe in themselves, mentoring and inspiring countless individuals, many of whom became lifelong friends. Her colleagues were her work family, and the bonds she built were a lasting reflection of the care, encouragement, and genuine connection she gave so freely.

Theresa concluded her remarkable career as an Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors for First Community Bank, leaving behind a legacy not only of professional excellence, but of people empowered, lives changed, and a culture shaped by her unwavering belief in others.

Theresa’s story is deeply rooted in the traditions, beauty, and spirit of New Mexico. She created a life where family was everything; where people felt welcome, gatherings were cherished, and love was always at the center.

She was supported and beloved by her family and many close friends that she gathered throughout her life. She loved entertaining and the sound of family and friends coming together to celebrate life brought her immense joy. A true style icon, Theresa was always impeccably dressed and had a gift for making even the smallest details feel special. She often said “presentation is everything,” and she lived that philosophy - not just in how everything looked but in how she made people feel.

Her greatest pride and deepest joy was her family and the roles she cherished most — Gam-Gam, Grandma Resa, and Tita. Rooted in the love she received from her parents, and the memories she shared with her siblings, she carried that same love forward watching her family grow and loving her children and grandchildren beyond measure.

Her light will never fade. She leaves an indelible mark of joy, hope, laughter, charm, class, beauty, love and fun on all those she touched.

In her later years, she enjoyed yoga and Pilates, volunteering at the Corrales Community Library, and spending time wine tasting and dining throughout the valley.

Theresa is survived by her daughter Linda Cooper and son-in-law Brett Cooper of Corrales and son Nicholas Gabel and daughter-in-law Andrea Ramey of Salt Lake City; and grandchildren Justin, Lauren, Jackson, Emma, Miguel, Amelia, and bonus grandchildren Sydney and Ashley. Her sister, Mary-Lee and her husband Jerry Charlton; her brother Dennis and his wife Vida Baca. She is preceded in death by her brother; Eloy Baca.

Services for Theresa will be held at Church of the Risen Savior on Friday, April 24. The rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass. A eulogy and celebration of life will be held immediately after Mass at the family’s home in Corrales.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation in honor of her devotion to her grandson, Miguel Ramey who is kicking CP’s butt!

Theresa’s legacy is not only in what she accomplished, but in how she made others feel — valued, loved, and inspired. Though she is gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our lives.