I remember how much fun I used to have with Teresa when she came to Pittsburgh to visit grandma. We would sneak down to the woods behind her house to smoke cigarettes, take long walks and talk about our problems. She was so beautiful and all of the neighborhood boys liked Teresa and her sisters. I was often asked when were my cousins coming back to visit! Rest easy, Teresa! Love, Kathy
Moving to the west coast, I didn't get to see Teresa as much but always looked forward to smile and humor at our Aunt Marge's birthday parties and other family reunions.
My fondest memories was when we were little & I would my Mom would let me stay a month with the Cypher family. Teresa had short blonde curly hair that I was very jealous of. We played and had lots of picnic barbecue & even then she loved her food!!! Rest well dear cousin. Rita
Our immediate family met Teresa and Monty at their nephew's graduation party where we quickly recognized Teresa's work ethic, dedication to a variety of interests and skills, and love of life. Teresa's presence and natural friendliness added joy to an already congenial gathering. We're especially glad that we had even a brief time to get acquainted. Tom, Ann, & Mimi Oliver, Springfield, VA.
Teresa's Obituary
Teresa passed away suddenly on Aug 31st. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Funny and outspoken, she often tried to shock people - and usually succeeded. Teresa may be remembered as a high school athlete who then began a lifelong affair with food - everything from butcher to study at the Culinary Institute of America (yes, CIA), from cook to waitress to fast food to bakery, camp and institutional food service - not to mention home chef extraordinaire. Teresa also loved gardening of all sorts- huge house plants, vegetable plots, roses - even the grounds of the Ohio State Governor’s mansion.
Outside Columbus is where she began her stint at a sheet metal factory that over the years included lots of nicks and cuts as well as EMT and safety work. And, oh yes, that’s where she met her future husband Monty. They were married on the dock of their little pond behind the house, where we will hold her memorial Sep 23d. Most of us will remember fishing, riding the quad, enjoying bonfires or playing cards or darts there.
Teresa liked traveling away from Ohio when she could. NYC, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, the American West. She visited family all around the States, especially if it included beach proximity and seafood - Baltimore being a favorite!
Family was very important to Teresa. She liked to stay connected and sent out early Christmas cards and made lots of birthday calls to keep in touch. She outlived both her mother Alvina and father Chuck. She leaves behind her husband Monty Ward; her sisters Dorothea Erickson, Colette Powers, Allie Bianchi and Lauretta Cypher; nieces Stephanie (Powers) Klonowski and Kristin (Erickson) Samit; nephews Alec Bianchi and Chris Erickson, and best friend Dean Hildreth.
