Teri Jean Balmer's Obituary
Teri Jean Balmer, born June 5th, 1955 in Tacoma, Washington, passed to her next phase on November 18, 2015 at 4:40 am. Teri was slowed by declining health over the last several years, showing great courage in the face of it, continuing to do the things she loved. After a recent health crisis kept her in the ICU for over two weeks it was her desire to go home. She wanted to leave this earth on her own terms with her precious pets and her life partner, Marsha Trickey, by her side.
Although Teri’s life was shortened she packed a lot of living into her 60 years. She grew up in the suburbs of Seattle and in Federal Way, Washington, where she graduated from Federal Way High School with the class of 1973. She served her country in the U.S. Army where she spent three years active duty as a dental hygienist and three years in the reserves. She then worked in the insurance industry full time while putting herself through college. She achieved her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a Masters from the Leadership Institute of Seattle, an affiliation of Bastyr College. She put her degree to work as a drug and alcohol counselor and loved helping others achieve sobriety. She often received feedback from her clients of the great help she was to their recovery and this was very fulfilling to her. Teri had a great wit and sense of humor and found the fun in even the most mundane of conversations.
Teri loved to travel, especially on a cruise ship and she visited many places. She was intelligent and loved to read. She also created beautiful things with her sewing and crocheting skills. She was kind hearted and compassionate toward people and loved animals. She had no children of her own but loved her many nephews and nieces and they loved her in return.
She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Fred Stevens Balmer and is survived by her partner of 20 years, Marsha Trickey, her mother, JoAnn Newman Balmer, sisters, Jeri Ann Smith and Robin Gayle Balmer-Logan and their husbands, Brady Smith and Tom Balmer-Logan. She is also survived by her nieces, Liz Smith, Annie and Lynn Trickey, her nephews, Justin and Matthew Smith and MacKenzie and Spencer Balmer-Logan as well as great nieces, MaryAnn and Mia Smith and great nephews, Andy and Jesse Smith. She also leaves behind her aunts Dianne Bartle and Paula Rioux.
We love you Teri.
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