Although I hadn't seen Theresa for a few years, I have many good memories of our time together in toastmasters. She was always an enthusiastic speaker and willing to jump in where needed at any time. I was truly saddened to hear of her passing at such a young age. I do extend sincere condolences to her family.

Vera Ito

Teresa loved to create. Recently she told me she had sold every necklace she beaded for a craft market, and was commissioned to make more. A generous neighbour gifted her with all sorts of new beads, and she was excited about the possibility of teaching a class for her fellow residents in the new year. Teresa also like to colour, and of course many folk know her through her creative writing and speech making at toastmasters.

Teresa and I met through our home group from Willow Park Church South. She always greeted me with enthusiasm, encouraging words, and shared something creative she was up to. The last time we met as a home group was for Christmas, and Teresa was happy. We all sang Christmas carols around the piano, and then Teresa suggested we participate in a round the room story and we all ended up belly laughing with how silly it became.

I'm going to miss Teresa's welcoming personality, her resilience, long suffering, and her compassion for others. She truly was an overcomer and I pray that she's singing and dancing now, and safe with the God whom she loved and trusted. “Let me show you where I live among my people. My name is ‘God-with-you.’ I will wipe all the tears from your eyes; there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness. The world of the past has gone.” (Revelation 21:2–5)

With my deep sympathies to Teresa's family and friends who are feeling this great loss loss,

Lesley-Anne Evans

Always an inspiration. A great speaker and an energetic personality. She always gave valuable feedback to improve public speaking. She will be deeply missed.

Rishi

I was so sad to hear the news about Theresa. She was a dear friend and a true inspiration. No matter how many challenges she faced she always had a smile, a joke, a positive outlook. Theresa was also an inspiration as a speaker. She had such energy and enthusiasm. She was always willing to help and encourage others. She will be greatly missed!

I feel grateful and blessed that Theresa and I shared so much in common, with mutual interests and passions including Toastmasters, OA, and Willow Park Church where we often encouraged each other to see and focus beyond mobility or health challenges. Her tenacious spirit was an inspiration to me and many others, as was her ceaseless “servant’s heart” that saw her trials as learning opportunities that could ultimately help others on their own journey. She was a proud mom, creative artist and brilliant communicator. I will remember her many gifts for decades to come. I am honoured to have called her my friend – her “yellow light” on life ended far too soon and once again, Theresa has left us speechless. Blessings from Jan Mills.

It was a gift to have known Theresa. I was fortunate to get to know her during my time with Toastmasters, and I will always remember her outgoing and positive nature. She once gave a speech on PMA: "Positive Mental Attitude", which was fitting because Theresa was a master of positive mental attitude. When she met with struggles, she always seemed to keep a positive outlook and to keep moving forward. You could barely keep up with Theresa - she always had something going on! She inspired and touched so many people's lives and she will be deeply missed.

Love,

Darci R

Kelowna

Toastmasters brought us together.... Theresa was always such a compassionate being, helping who she could, as she could.... that's who she was. She shares her story in the HEART OF A TOASTMASTER book, about starting public speaking when she was only 12 years old. Theresa admitted "before joining Toastmasters I used to appear confident on the inside and outside but I was terrified on the inside..." We watched her growth, into authentically confident, and compelling when sharing her heartfelt messages. We have been touched by your life, Theresa, how you lived, the legacy you leave, and the Loving Spirit you are.

- Sheryl Roush

My heart goes out to the whole family from the family of Toastmasters who knew her and were inspired by her. K.Nickells

Theresa and I were friends in Toastmasters throughout her entire membership. She was committed to self-improvement, she was talented in her craft, and she was dedicated to her friends. Rest in Peace Theresa, too young and too soon. There are no words at a time like this that can alleviate the pain and loss for the family. However know that Theresa touched many people's lives in a positive way.

Marion G.G.

Kelowna

Such a sudden loss. She was a great speaker and taught me a lot your spirit and courage live on...

With deepest condolences to the family, loss sinks deeply but memories sooth the soul. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you all. Take Care. Fred and Diane

Such a sudden shock. So many great memories over the years from the family picnics to playing pool and watching films in the basement of the home in Brentwood. Theresa was always there looking after us younger cousins. A wonderful, kind, warm person. She breezed through BCHS and set the bar very high. I recall my mother asking why my marks weren’t ‘more like Theresa’s’. You will be missed Theresa. You touched many lives in your time.

Heartfelt condolences to Jim & family, Steve & Jacquie, and Aunt Yvonne & Ken as well as extended family.

Darrell & Gayle

This is such a loss. She was a deeply kind and thoughtful person, one who enriched many lives - including mine, way back in BCHS days. My deepest condolences to her family.