Teresa Joy Tenholder
Teresa Joy Tenholder was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 7, 2024, after a 6-year journey with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Up until the end Teresa maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her long life, full of wonderful and varied experiences.
Teresa was born on December 25, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was married to Edward “Ed,” her soulmate and best friend for 47 years, was a devoted mother to their two children, Tracy and Thomas “Tommy,” her pride and joy, and was a loving and playful grandmother to Grant, always spoiling him.
Teresa took special joy in cooking, crafts, and music, as well as had a fond love for her cats. Teresa’s brilliant spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart captivated everyone who had the chance to know her. She was the heart and soul of our family, and she will be dearly missed. Her friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was special to her. She was known not just for enjoying her friendships but for being a good friend as well. She had a memory like an elephant and would always ask heartfelt questions and cherished the photos and videos that family and friends shared with her.
Teresa, with her strong faith in God, worshiped at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, Missouri, for over 40 years. She served as a volunteer counting the money offerings and cleaning the sacristy of the church for a majority of that time. Now that Teresa has passed into the arms of our Lord, her physical life on earth is over but it is the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for her as she joins her mother, father-in-law, and three brothers-in-law in heaven.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the ALS Association St. Louis Regional, BJC Hospice, Evelyn’s House, and the many caregivers, social workers, nurses, and doctors for their kindness and contribution to her comfort.
Teresa was predeceased by her parents: Stella Warren (mother) and Tom Warren (stepfather); and Lessie Farris (birthfather). Teresa is survived by many who will never forget the love she brought to their lives, including her husband: Ed Tenholder (67); her children: Tracy Tenholder (44) and Tommy Tenholder (40); her grandchild: Grant Tenholder (9); her sisters: Sheila Reiss (69) and Lisa Kilhafner (57); and her devoted cat, “Sammie.”
A funeral Mass and Celebration of Life for Teresa will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, Missouri. Words of Remembrance and luncheon will be held following the funeral at the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Teresa’s memory and honor to the ALS Association.
Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
Beautifully written Ed, Tracy, and Tom.
She’s smiling.
My love to you all.
Aunt Sheila.
ED I am so sorry for your loss brother thinking about you. If there’s anything you need call me you have my number.
Prayers for you and your family friend no easy way Great people God Bless from us Crocketts.
Eddie,May God be with your loved ones as you celebrate the life of your wife ♥️♥️♥️
Teresa was a special friend to me and my family. We spent years camping, BBQ events, playing cards, going out to eat and a lot of visiting. She was just down to earth and I will always remember her laugh. RIP our sweet friend and be an angel and fly high. Our prayers are with Ed and your family, love you, Susie Blume
Ed, I can’t put in words how sorry I am to hear the news of Teresa’s passing. Gosh, I have so many great memories to remember, friendship, vacations, bbq’s, just great times togeather, she always had a smile. Love you Ed……so so sorry
Greg
Ed and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Teresa has been in our prayers for several years. May you all find comfort in knowing that she is with God and loved ones who has gone before her!
My love and prayers sent out to you all.
Roni
My dear friend, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. She’s in the arms of her loving savior, take comfort and rest in that Eddy. Love you my friend.
Eddy and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a kind spirit with a beautiful smile. I will pray for your family but we all know she was greeted in heaven by some wonderful family. Love and prayers.
Ed and family, condolences and prayers on this sad news. Ed your love with Teresa was beautiful to see, I remember how happy my mom and dad (as Teresa called them Aunt Rosie and Uncle Ray, Compton) were when you two married. Teresa was a special person with the ability to make others feel loved by her radiant smile and spirit she shared with each one of us. Prayers and love to you and your family.
This was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. Your mother was a very special person and I know you are so proud to call her your mother Tracy! You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
“In the silence of loss. I find solace in memories shared, in love that transcends time, my sister”
“Though parted by death, our bond endures, woven in the fabric of eternity, my beloved sister.”
“With each passing day, I hold you close, in memories cherished, in love eternal, dear sister.”
Love,
Lisa
Always in our prayers Ed, Tracy and Tommy – Love Aunt Lisa, Uncle Rod, Roderick and Luke Kilhafner
Beautifully written obituary. Sending hugs and prayers to all of Teresa’s loved ones.
I am so sorry for your loss, Tracy and family. Your mother sounds like an amazing person, which isn’t shocking considering how amazing you are, Tracy. Sending prayers for peace that surpasses all understanding as you grieve your loss.
Teresa was an amazing person, I met her in 4th grade she was always kind, sweet, and so beautiful. Ed so sorry for your lost, may God give peace to know that she is in his loving arms. I will feel like we all have a special Angel watching over us.
Teresa was truly a sweetheart. She did not know a stranger and embraced everyone with warmth and kindness. This beautifully written obituary captures the essence of Teresa’s true being. Our loss is certainly Heaven’s gain. Thoughts and prayers for Eddie, Tracy, Tommy, Grant and all of her extended family and friends. May the many memories she’s left behind help you through the coming days.
💕 🙏🏻
Our heartfelt condolences to Ed & her family. We remember Teresa from CHS & she was always a nice, sweet, lovely soul. May she RIP with loved ones gone before her. Peace & Love,
Ray & Eliene Herderhorst
Ed,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family through this difficult time.
I can only try to.say a few words to Ed, Tracy and Tommy how Teresa brought so much joy being in our lives and everyone she met. She faced her battles with ALS with a.defiance that brought so much inspiration to me and everyone around her. I will never forget her strength and can only hope to be half as strong as she was. She was more.than a neighbor, she was a sister. I know she is now.watching over.us.
Ed, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. She’s in the arms of her loving savior. Love you “Big Brother” Ed my friend.
Sorry to hear about Teresa’s passing. Lori and I are sending hugs and may all of the cherished memories fill your hearts in her absence.
Ed & Family,
We just want you to know that we are thinking of you and hope that you find peace and comfort in this difficult time. Teresa was a remarkable woman and her legacy will live on forever. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.