Teresa Jean Borges: A soulful laugh, A beautiful smile

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Teresa Jean Borges
June 1, 1958 – July 26, 2025

Teresa was born in Fortuna, California to George and Edna Borges. Teresa was the second born of 4 children, and was raised in Ferndale, California, where she attended Ferndale Elementary and Ferndale High School. After high school, Teresa attended and graduated from Frederick and Charles Beauty College in Eureka, CA. in 1978. Teresa married Jim Kaufman and worked as a hairdresser until they had their daughter, Deserie Kaufman in 1984, after which Teresa was a stay-at-home mom. Teresa pridefully continued to give haircuts and stylings to family and friends throughout the years. Teresa and Jim parted ways and Teresa’s parents helped with the raising of Deserie. Jim sadly passed 10/28/2024.

If you knew Teresa (Terry as we called her) then you knew that she had her ups and downs throughout her life. If you were lucky enough, you got to know that she was kindhearted, had a soulful laugh, beautiful smile, and was loved by many. Teresa loved butterflies and her favorite color was blue. Teresa and her daughter, Dez even got matching blue butterfly tattoos. During family holiday gatherings, Teresa loved to make rice crispy treats.

Teresa passed peacefully in Petaluma, CA, after a very short battle with colon cancer. Teresa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph and Mary Borges and Ellison and Margaret Tompkins as well as many aunts, uncles and other relatives (too many to name). Teresa is survived by her daughter, Dez (Erin) McDonald and granddaughter, Judith Grace (Gracie) McDonald, Mother and Father, George and Edna Borges and brothers, Michael (Kelly) Borges, Danny (Susie) Borges, Steve (Leslie) Borges as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Ridgeway Post Acute, Hospice Sonoma County and Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary.

Teresa will be cremated with her remains spread later so that she may finally be free with the butterflies.

Please make sure to get your regular cancer screenings done, whether it be colon, prostate, breast or any other.

Also, if you, or anyone you know, are suffering from any type of mental health, please seek assistance from your family, friends or local care providers.

Rather than flowers, the family requests donations in Teresa’s name be made to Hospice.