BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Nearly a month after 67-year-old Pauline Terrazas was struck and killed while crossing Brundage Lane, her family is remembering the woman they say dedicated her life to loving and caring for others.
For her son, Sal Soliz, the memories of his mother are filled with kindness, faith and an unwavering love for her family.
Courtesy: Jessica Soliz & Sal Soliz
“She was a beautiful woman. She was beautiful. She was always happy, very loving, very friendly,” Soliz said. “She was always talking about God and always praying for people.”
Investigators say Terrazas was crossing Brundage Lane northbound within an unmarked crosswalk when she was struck by an eastbound white Ram pickup truck. She was transported to Kern Medical, where she was pronounced dead at 9:49 p.m., according to the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
Police said the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. At this time, driver impairment and excessive speed do not appear to have been factors in the collision. The investigation remains ongoing.
Soliz says his mother was out searching for his younger brother, who struggles with mental health, something she had done many times before.
“He was always running the street, so she was always out looking for him, and that’s what she was doing on Father’s Day evening,” Soliz said.
While the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, Soliz hopes people remember his mother for the person she was.
“She was just always praying for people. She always talked to people about God, and she was just about loving people. She was really kind. Really friendly,” he said.
He says his mother’s faith shaped the way she treated everyone she met.
“When she would part ways or tell you bye, she would say, ‘May God and his angels be with you,’ all the time, it never failed. Every time she left me, she gave me a hug and kiss… and she’d say, ‘May God and his angels be with you.'”
Courtesy: Jessica Soliz & Sal Soliz
The loss has left a lasting impact on the family.
“Everybody’s kind of just trying to hang in there,” Soliz said.
He says one of the hardest parts has been knowing he won’t get another chance to see his mother.
“Mom, I miss you, and I wish I had one last chance to tell you I love you. Give her a hug.”
Courtesy: Jessica Soliz & Sal Soliz
As the family prepares to lay Terrazas to rest, they say they are grateful for the support they’ve received from friends, relatives and the community.
“I want to thank all my family, close friends, and family for support, and for your help with the car washes. I appreciate it very much,” said Soliz.
Soliz also hopes his mother’s death serves as a reminder for drivers to stay alert behind the wheel.
“Don’t be on your phone. Try not to be distracted, and always look out for pedestrians… We need to drive a little bit safer and smarter, and be aware, more aware.”
The family has created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral, memorial and related expenses.
