Teresa Heinz Kerry Owner of the Heinz retail chain Date of Birth: 05.10.1938 Country: USA

1. Biography of Teresa Heinz Kerry
2. Education and Early Career
3. Marriage to John Heinz
4. Tragic Loss and Meeting John Kerry
5. Philanthropy and Activism

Biography of Teresa Heinz Kerry

Teresa Ferreira Heinz Kerry was born on October 5, 1938, in East Africa, in one of the colonies that is now the Republic of Mozambique. Her parents, Jose Symphes Ferreira and Irene Thierstein, were Portuguese immigrants who moved to one of the African colonies in their youth. Despite her father's occupation as a humble medical worker, their family led a fairly privileged life.

Education and Early Career

Teresa Heinz Kerry graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where she studied literature and foreign languages. Shortly after, she completed a translator's school in Geneva, Switzerland, before moving to the United States. In the United States, Teresa was offered a job as a translator at the United Nations. She was an excellent specialist and was fluent in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

Marriage to John Heinz

In 1966, Teresa married billionaire and owner of the "Heinz" trading company, future U.S. Senator Henry John Heinz III. The wedding took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1971, Teresa Heinz became a naturalized American citizen. The couple had three sons: John, Andre, and Christopher.

Tragic Loss and Meeting John Kerry

In 1990, Teresa Heinz Kerry first met her future second husband, John Kerry. However, in 1991, a tragic event occurred when her husband, John Heinz, died in a plane crash on April 4. He left his entire multi-billion dollar estate to Teresa Heinz. In 1992, Teresa Heinz Kerry encountered John Kerry again, this time at the "Earth" summit in Rio de Janeiro. She was a member of the U.S. State Department delegation at the summit. Their courtship began in 1993, and in May 1995, the couple officially registered their relationship. Despite getting married for the second time, Teresa chose to retain her former husband's last name as a sign of respect and memory.

Philanthropy and Activism

Teresa Heinz Kerry is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. She provides significant support to children's homes, schools, and hospitals. She actively encourages talented students by organizing various grants and scholarships.