Teresa Speese

Kindhearted and selfless with all that she had, Teresa Speese was the embodiment of grace, compassion, and fierce, unconditional love. She met every challenge with determination and a willingness to learn, becoming a steadfast source of strength for everyone fortunate to know her. A devoted wife, mother, sister, and aunt, Teresa found her greatest joy in the moments shared with her loved ones. She understood that life’s richest moments are often the simplest ones. Though she will be so greatly missed, Teresa leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and family will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The late 1950s were a transformative and influential time in American History. The Cold War continued to shape world events, while some relief was found through artists like Elvis Presley bringing rock and roll into the mainstream, and television shows such as I Love Lucy becoming household favorites. It was during this time that Teresa made her entrance into the world. Born in Battle Creek on November 14, 1957, she spent much of her childhood at her grandmother’s house and on the family farm. There, she developed a lifelong love of animals and found joy in caring for the horses, cows, and other creatures that surrounded her.

As a young woman, Teresa began working as a cashier at Okun Brothers Shoes. It was there that she met the love of her life, Mike, who worked as a salesman. Teresa was immediately drawn to him, and before long, she asked him out. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they soon began planning a future together.

That future got off to an unexpected start. The Blizzard of 1978 caused the couple to postpone their original wedding date. Mike’s car was completely buried beneath a mountain of snow! They soon realized that the wedding wasn’t going to take place that day, so it occurred two weeks later.

Teresa attended Western Michigan University, and she and Mike both worked full time. The newlyweds enjoyed cruises and frequent trips to Las Vegas, embracing the opportunity for adventure before their greatest adventure arrived. Teresa and Mike were overjoyed to welcome their two sons, Andrew and Ryan, into their hearts and home. Motherhood quickly became Teresa’s favorite role. Her boys were her pride and joy. She approached parenting with endless patience, love, and devotion. There was truly nothing she would not do for her kids.

Among Teresa’s favorite destinations was Disney. As members of a Disney Vacation Club, the Speese family visited the parks, embarked on Disney cruises, and stayed at nearly every Disney resort. The family made over 40 trips to Disney, cementing Teresa’s legacy as one of their biggest fans.

In 1985, Teresa stepped into her true calling as a teacher, a path perfectly suited for her compassionate heart. Working with kids brought her so much happiness. She spent most of her career as a special education teacher with Lawrence Public Schools, focusing on preschool-aged children. She poured her heart into every student, caring for them with the same patience, encouragement, and affection she showed her own family. Whether organizing special events, planning outings, or helping a child overcome challenges, she was willing to go the extra mile.

Her dedication to teaching left a lasting impression not only on her students, but on her own family. Whenever Andrew or Ryan didn’t have school, she would bring them to school with her. They often played and made friends with the other students while she was teaching. Watching his mother work inspired Ryan to pursue a career in education himself, something Teresa was immensely proud to witness.

Teaching also introduced Teresa to a close-knit circle of friends. Together, they shared many laughs, milestones, and adventures, including many marathon shopping sprees to the outlet malls that often lasted all day and trips to Northern Michigan in the winter.

In her free time, Teresa kept busy with her crafts and cross stitching. She was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and enjoyed visiting the Detroit Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, and Fredrick Meijer Gardens as well. Yet, if there was one place where Teresa felt most at peace, it was the beach. Small towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline provided the perfect getaway, and she found happiness in the beauty of the water and sand. Teresa also stayed active through bowling and golfing, and treasured the monthly meals she shared with Mike’s siblings and spouses. Teresa considered herself so blessed to watch her family flourish.

As we gather to reflect on the overflowing life of Teresa Speese, we celebrate a woman who touched so many lives for the better. She was the heartbeat of her family, and she was a powerful role model of compassion and sacrificial love for her children. Teresa’s greatest treasure was undoubtedly her loved ones. Her generosity was a gift, and she went above and beyond to care for those in her family, her classroom, and her community. Already dearly missed, Teresa will be forever loved, honored, and remembered.

Teresa Speese of Kalamazoo, age 68, died on July 15, 2026. Surviving are her husband, Mike; children: Drew (Ashley Bartlett) Speese and Ryan Speese; siblings: Mike (Angie) Repins, Pat (Rainey) Repins; in-laws: Pat (Dawn) Speese, Lauri (Tracy) Fox, Jim (Anne) Speese; and many half-siblings, nieces and nephews.

Celebrate Teresa’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, SPCA of Southwest Michigan, or Special Olympics Michigan (Area 17).