Theresa Wells, a well-known Stanford physician and social activist, has died at the age of 90. She was born on June 24, 1916 in Langhorne, Pennsylvania to a prominent family. Her mother was Theresa Wilbur Paist, and her uncles were Curtis Dwight Wilbur and Ray Lyman Wilbur.

Theresa studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and was one of only three female medical students there at the time. She worked as an anesthesiologist at Stanford Medical Center for many years, and was a favorite because of her gentle and kind ways.

Theresa was a founder and Board President of Kara, Palo Alto’s grief support organization. Theresa was also an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto, and she was active in human rights. Additionally, she was a board member and originator of Lytton Gardens, helping to guide this model housing alternative for the elderly. Despite her long hours of hospital work, she would stay up writing proposals, counseling people on the phone – whatever she could do to improve the lives of many. Theresa won numerous awards, including the 1980 Sertoma Club’s “Service to Mankind Award.”

Theresa dedicated her life to others, being a second mother to her seven nieces and nephews- and their families- who loved her dearly, and was also devoted to her goddaughter. Her home was a haven to many friends, family, and those in need. Theresa will be missed by not just her immediate family, but by all those who knew her.

Her memorial will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto on May 5th at 2:00 pm.

We invite you to send messages to be added to this page and shared with his family. Email craig@wkmn.com if you'd like to add your thoughts, stories, or prayers.