Theresa "Tess" Elizabeth Barcellos, 91, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in Reno on September 7th, 2016.

The youngest daughter of Christopher and Grace Anfang McGowan, Tess was born in Yerington on April 26, 1925, and grew up with her brothers Gerald and Frank on the family ranch at the south end of Mason Valley. Tess was Yerington High School's head cheerleader and fell in love with the captain of the Lions' football team, Manuel Barcellos. Their storybook romance led to their marriage on April 15, 1945. Tess and Manuel were devoted life partners for the 70 years that followed, enjoying and supporting each other through both lean and lush times, traveling throughout the Silver State, and being wonderful and supportive role models for their five children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Tess was a proud Nevadan, spending her entire life in the Mason Valley. She and Manuel were as much a part of Yerington as its water tower, the Walker River, and the green fields that embrace the town. In fact, Tess worked for three decades in Lyon County's iconic court house, serving as a respected Deputy Clerk and Treasurer. She held offices in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, was a member of Holy Family Church and the Saint Anne's Guild, and volunteered with the Yerington Portuguese Organization and the Lyon County Museum. Tess was also a State Director for the Retired Public Employees of Nevada; she and Manuel were the first husband and wife recipients of the Pat Fladager Special Recognition Award, RPEN's highest honor. But it was family that truly defined Tess; family was her alpha and omega. She was a loving and protective mother who spent countless hours working with Girl Scouts, helping in the classroom and chaperoning dances. There were no strangers in Tess's home – kids' friends were always welcome for dinner, even when there was barely enough to go around. Tess's favorite holiday was Christmas and any child who stopped by during the season walked away with a wrapped toy (leaving her own children pondering the location of the "magical closet" that produced the gifts). Tess made sure many traditions were established and preserved through the years and her special recipes will be indelibly linked with our family celebrations: spring form cheesecakes for birthdays, "frog-eye" and macaroni salads at Easter, Sunday dinners featuring homemade fried chicken, and pumpkin and lemon meringue pies at Thanksgiving and Christmas. And each occasion was enveloped with her laughter, a sound that would ignite happiness throughout any room. While we will all miss her greatly, it is our most comforting thought picturing Tess and Manuel sharing sunny backyard afternoons once again. We see them healthy and renewed, seated side-by-side in woven web picnic chairs, her cockeyed straw hat shading a watchful eye, a chilled white zin, the warmest smile and a heart that found love for everyone.

Tess was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, and by Manuel. She is survived by her children Terrance Barcellos (Sharon), Delores Clewe (Press), Nadine Cozzalio (Ernie), Jim Barcellos (Paul Devereux), Leslie Muller (Joel), grandchildren Melissa Barcellos Forburger (Dave), Mitchell Barcellos (Tara), Torrie Cozzalio Gorak (Joseph), Chris Cozzalio, Joseph Muller and Ryan Muller, and eight great-grandchildren. Our family is very grateful to the staff at Park Place and Jene at Circle of Life Hospice for their many kindnesses in Tess's last months.

A rosary for Tess will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Yerington at 10:30 on Friday, September 23rd, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00, internment at Valley View Cemetery. A Fellowship will be held at the Catholic Center. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Tess's memory to the Lyon County Museum, 215 South Main Street, Yerington, NV 89447. Family and Friends may sign her online guest book at www.FRFH.net.

Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911.