Teresa Dizon Smith

Teresa Dizon Smith, known affectionately as Tess, passed away on March 10, 2026, at her home in Charleston at the age of 84 after a seven-year battle with lung cancer. Born on January 27, 1942, aboard a banca boat in the Philippines, she entered the world with the help of a physician who happened to be aboard as her parents, Corazon Hizon Dizon and Marcelino Dizon, and her sister Monette fled from the Japanese during World War II. Preceded in death by her parents and her older sister and younger brother, Tess is survived by her husband of nearly sixty years, Ralph S. Smith, Jr., and their three children, Jason (Mary), Ralph III (Jeana), and Heather (Scott), as well as grandchildren Madeline, Marcelino, Sophia, and Phillip. She is also survived by her six sisters, Corazon, Lydia, Nancy, Connie, Susan, and Josie, and many nieces and nephews.

After completing her undergraduate studies in foods and nutrition, Teresa moved to Chicago, where she worked as a dietician for about ten years in Chicago, Evanston, and Cincinnati. While her husband served active duty with the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1974, she earned her PhD in Psychology at the University of Santo Tomas, her alma mater. For many years, she worked alongside her husband, a psychiatrist, as a psychologist in Charleston, where she provided meaningful help to numerous patients. Deeply religious, Tess was an active member of the Catholic Church and belonged to a group of women at Sacred Heart who crocheted prayer shawls for elderly and sick parishioners. She also lovingly made shawls, mittens, ear warmers, scarves, and hats for family and friends, often while engaging in conversation or continuing education courses.

An accomplished linguist, Teresa spoke Kapampangan, Tagalog, and English with ease. She loved traveling with family and friends, readily picking up enough words in new languages to connect with people wherever she went. Tess was a light and a delight to all who knew her, blessed with a fun and loving personality. Her warmth, faith, and unwavering devotion to family will be deeply missed. Special thanks are extended to Janie Hutchinson for her love and devotion.