Terri Ann Bovberg
May 31, 1953 - May 31, 2018
Irvine CA
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Terri Ann Bovberg
May 31, 1953 - May 31, 2018
Irvine CA
Obituary
Terri Ann Bovberg passed away on Thursday, May 31″ her 65th birthday. An educator, career counselor, and librarian for 28 years in the Huntington Beach Union School District, she focused her efforts on troubled teens at Wintersburg High School” a continuation school next door to Fountain Valley High School, where her beloved, late husband John taught American History.
Adopted in Bell, California, in 1953, Terri was an only child. She grew up under the calm, guiding hand of her father, Ray Sparks, the sheriff of Bell, and her devoted mother, Edith Sparks. As a teen, Terri became active in Job’s Daughters, an organization for young girls, rising to the rank of Honored Queen. (Later in life, she served as Associate Guardian to Irvine Bethel 306.) She was an avid swimmer in both high school and college. Terri attended California State University Long Beach and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Although Terri originally dreamed of becoming a nurse, she quickly found her passion for career counseling. Her years in education began at Wintersburg, and later she transferred to the new Valley Vista High School in 1992. At these continuation high schools, she worked first as a librarian, then switched gears toward helping kids find their true passions in life and keep them on track.
She met John Bovberg in 1980 and married him in November 1982, gaining two step-children, Jason and Melissa, by whom she is now survived. John and Terri flourished in Irvine, California, establishing homes in Woodbridge and later in the El Camino Real neighborhood on Lindstrom Street. It was at their home on Lindstrom that they enjoyed the greatest years of their lives, retiring early and traveling with friends on cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal, and the northeast United States.
Terri is also survived by her granddaughters Harper, Sophie, and Sadie, and grandson Carson John, all of whom will remember her beneficence and salty humor. She was also close to her nieces Hanna and Emma, who shared her love of wines and California’s wine country. Her friends and family recall her generosity, support, and cheerfully open home. Visitors could always count on a warm welcome at the Lindstrom house, as well as good food, great libations, and fond memories.
Terri was left with a broken heart after John died. Nevertheless, she continued traveling the world” via cruise ship” and enjoying meals and local trips with close friends. Her neighbors will always remember the warm glow of 4841 Lindstrom when John and Terri lived there.
3 responses to Terri Ann Bovberg
Alina Bovberg says:
June 12, 2018
We are so saddened that Terri left us on her 65th birthday. We had great hopes that she would overcome her heart being broken by the loss of her dear husband, John. John was Terri’s love of her life and she missed his warmth and companionship. She spent time keeping up with Hanna and Emma’s college years at SLO – these were her favorite moments. She loved wineries and traveling with her good friends. Ruth Chris Steak House became an annual dinner event in memory of John. We will fondly remember Terri coupled with John – every step he took, she took. This is a couple that were connected in life and we believe they will be spiritually connected forever. Love you, Alina and Briane Bovberg
Lynn McCall says:
June 19, 2018
Terri always had a light in her eyes, always welcoming you into her arms. Whether it was school or home, she was so gracious. She loved her John and yes, she was devastated at his death. I know they are up there planning a great party. My thoughts and prayers are with her family
Carol Longshore says:
June 22, 2018
I have many fond memories of time spent with Terri. We became friends when I started working at Valley Vista and that friendship continued after she retired. I will miss her warmth and humor and friendship. I’m sure John was there to greet her with a hug and glass of wine as they begin the final chapter of their love story.