Teresa Ann Daniel's Obituary
Our family “Sunshine”, Teresa Ann Daniel, has left to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Teresa, 57, is survived by her son, Alex (24), her mother, Jan (Joe), brothers Greg (Kelly) and Brad (Anna), nieces Michelle (Andy) and Katya, and nephews Stefan, Cole, and Max. Teresa was preceded in death by her father, Jack Gary Anderson (2000). She was born in Rock Island, IL, on April 12, 1965, and at the age of five the family relocated to Lakewood, WA, where she later attended Lakes High School. Teresa had a passion for music and was a captivating, charismatic singer, and performed in musicals, plays, weddings, and in church. Her more playful side enjoyed jamming on a karaoke session. Like her dad, Teresa was at times riotously funny (sometimes without knowing it!), and she loved all things family, like road trips and holidays. At a young age Teresa was diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy, and while she persevered through many struggles that accompany the disease, it fueled a deep compassion, knowledge, and understanding of not just those who shared her affliction, but with everyone who carried pain. Her bruised heart opened freely to anyone who would receive her love. And in the words of her favorite author Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “from her heart she produced chords to which one’s whole being responded.” Her life’s brightest lights were her boy, Alex, and her beloved mom, Janet. She beamed as Alex grew into an amazing young man, and in her wonderful mother she also found a best friend. Teresa also shared life with her partner James. They traveled, went to concerts and were planning a trip to Hawaii. While her life wasn’t easy, Teresa’s passing has taught us not to judge from the outside, but to lend our ears, time, and compassion to those around us. In lieu of flowers, the family would be deeply honored for all donations made in her name to the Epilepsy Foundation. Teresa, we know you are still amongst us, dancing like it’s 1998.
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