Theresa Hawkins

Theresa Jãn Carrie Christian was born in Pittsburgh, PA on January 20, 1964 to Catherine Coyne and Hayford Christian. Theresa was raised by Catherine and Alvis Ross Jr. Her life would be subject to transformations akin to those of her treasured butterflies. Theresa graduated from St. Paul Cathedral High School and enrolled in the Western PA School of Health where she successfully completed the Pharmacy Technician program. She married Curtis Hawkins in 1990 and began the journey that would change her life and bless so many others. To this union were born two sons, Curtis, Jr and Ross. Theresa absolutely adored her "boys"; nothing was too good or too much, including countless hours volunteering at their school. This devotion to her children would ultimately lead Theresa to the field of education. She initially acquired an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education from CCAC working as a paraprofessional for several years. With the encouragement and support of family and mentors Theresa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Carlow University. As a testimonial to her commitment to academic excellence, Theresa maintained ten total semesters of Dean's List recognition while continuing to work, provide voluntary after school tutoring, and raise her young family. All of which was rewarded when she became a full-fledged teacher in the Pittsburgh Public School System; she began teaching kindergarten and eventually became a long time second and third grade reading teacher. Never one to back down from a confrontation, especially for the good of her students, Theresa was known to advocate passionately with and against administrators, parents and even the students themselves when necessary. She held a special place in her heart for the disadvantaged, misunderstood and overlooked student frequently reminding others, "every child can be taught, every child has the capacity to learn". Theresa loved her students, and they loved her. It was virtually impossible to go anywhere in public with her and not hear, "Miss Hawkins, Miss Hawkins!", followed by smiles and hugs. By her final days in the classroom, she was welcoming students who are the children of her earliest students. In recent years she retired from the PPS and joined the Scholastic Outreach Department of the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority where she continued to connect with students and fellow teachers alike. Theresa cherished time with family, especially granddaughters; Riah and Reign. She was the consummate Grandmother in spirit, form, and function but not in name as she was affectionately known as Lovey. She also enjoyed live music, especially local jazz artists, traveling and having new experiences, whipping up new recipes at home and never shied away from a good quality Tequila. Simply put, Theresa was fun and enjoyed life. Whether she had cut it all off, was trialing a new style, sported braids, a new color, or completely natural Theresa knew how to "let her hair down". She was the unmistakable life of any party. Her sassiness, wit, humor, and fun-loving nature will be truly missed. If you stop and listen closely you can still hear her signature, "Heyyyy . . ." Heaven is hopping! Our butterfly has completed her final transformation and is fully free.

Theresa Hawkins

January 20, 1964 - April 29, 2024