Teresa Heinz Biography
Teresa Heinz Kerry (Born Maria Teresa Thierstein Simões-Ferreira) is an American multifaceted woman known for her philanthropy and influential marriages. Fluent in five languages, she earned degrees in South Africa and Switzerland before becoming a UN interpreter.
Her first marriage to ketchup heir H. John Heinz III thrust her into American society and philanthropy. After his tragic death, she inherited significant wealth and continued his legacy through foundations.
In 1995, she married Senator John Kerry, becoming a prominent figure in Democratic politics. Today, she remains active in philanthropy and environmental causes. She has faced major health challenges lately but is now in good health and very much alive.
10 Quick Facts About Teresa Heinz
Here is a list of 10 facts
- Name: Maria Teresa Thierstein Simões-Ferreira
- Age: 86 Years Old
- Birthday: October 5th
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Businesswoman, Philanthropist
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Unknown
- Net worth: $750 million and $1.2 billion
Teresa Heinz Age
Heinz is 86 years old. She was born on October 5, 1938, in Lourenço Marques, Portuguese East Africa (today Maputo, Mozambique). Teresa celebrates her birthday on October 5th and her birth sign is Libra.
Teresa Heinz Height
Heinz stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches or 1.6 meters.
Teresa Heinz Weight
Heinz weighs 70 kg which is equivalent to 154 lbs. Her body measures -36-32-36 inches i.e. breast, waist, and hip size. She also wears a Dress Size 16 US, and a shoe size 6 US approx.
Early Life and Education
Born “Teresinha” in Mozambique, Teresa Kerry enjoyed a privileged childhood. Her father, a renowned doctor, provided access to top education. Fluent in Portuguese, she climbed trees and played piano, even breaking her wrist a few times in her adventurous spirit.
University degrees in South Africa and Switzerland honed her language skills (five in total!), eventually leading her to a UN interpreter role in the US. This multilingual, well-educated young woman was poised for a remarkable life.
Teresa Heinz Family, Parents, and Siblings
Teresa Kerry came from a prominent family in Portuguese Mozambique. Her father, José Simões-Ferreira Jr., was a respected oncologist and tropical disease specialist. Her mother, Irene Thierstein, hailed from a Swiss-German and Italian background.
Teresa had two siblings: an older brother, José Pedro, and a younger sister, Margarida Helena, who sadly passed away young.
Teresa Heinz Marriages
First Husband, Senator John Heinz III
Heinz Kerry had two impactful marriages. Her first, in 1966, was to Senator John Heinz III, heir to the ketchup fortune. They had three sons and were active in philanthropy until his tragic death, Senator Heinz died in a plane crash on April 4, 1991.
Current Husband, Senator John Kerry
In 1995, she married Senator John Kerry, a prominent Democratic politician. She continued her philanthropic work and became a visible figure in politics, supporting her husband’s presidential campaign in 2004. The two are still together and their relationship has so far blossomed.
Teresa Heinz Children
Heinz Kerry is a proud mother of three biological sons from her first marriage to Senator John Heinz. They are H. John Heinz IV, The eldest, carries his father’s name and has worked in finance and environmental advocacy. André Heinz: A film producer and philanthropist, he co-founded the Heinz Brothers Foundation.
Christopher Heinz: The youngest, he went into politics and served as a Pennsylvania state senator. Through her marriage to John Kerry, she became stepmother to his two daughters, Alexandra and Vanessa. Despite not being their biological mother, she maintained close relationships with them.
Teresa Heinz Net Worth
Teresa Heinz has an estimated net worth of $750 million and $1.2 billion. This includes her assets, money, and income. Her primary source of income is her career. She has accumulated good fortune through her various income sources but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.

Body Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Teresa
Teresa Heinz Wikipedia
- Full Name: Maria Teresa Thierstein Simões-Ferreira
- Popular As: Teresa Heinz
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Businesswoman
- Religion: Not known
- Race / Ethnicity: Not known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Teresa Heinz Birthday
- Age: 86 Years Old.
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Date of Birth: October 5, 1938
- Place of Birth. Lourenço Marques, Portuguese East Africa
- Birthday: 5th October
Teresa Heinz Measurements
- Height / How Tall? 5 feet 6 inches
- Weight: 70 kg
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Shoe Size: Not known
Teresa Heinz Family and Relationships
- Father (Dad): Mr. José Simões-Ferreira Jr.
- Mother: Mrs.Irene Thierstein
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Two
- Marital Status: Married
- Husband/Spouse: Senator John Kerry
- Children: Three
Teresa Heinz Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $750 million and $1.2 billion
- Salary: Approx. Unknown
- Source of Income: Her career
Career
Teresa Heinz Kerry’s career spanned continents and fields. Early on, she used her fluency in five languages to interpret for the United Nations. After marrying ketchup magnate H. John Heinz III, became deeply involved in philanthropy, leading the Heinz Family Philanthropies and supporting causes like children’s health and the environment.
Though recognized for her wealth and later marriage to Senator John Kerry, Teresa Heinz carved her path as a businesswoman, managing her investments and advocating for social change. While her later years were focused on philanthropy, her diverse career left a lasting impact.
Teresa Heinz Health, Is She Alive?
Heinz is still alive and in good health. She does not have dementia either. Teresa Kery faced two major health challenges, in 2009, she bravely battled breast cancer, undergoing lumpectomy and radiation therapy.
Later, in 2013, she suffered a seizure, leading to close monitoring but ultimately recovering well
Teresa Heinz Social Media Accounts
- YouTube
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