Theresa Sakano

Theresa "Teri" Sakano, born April 15, 1962, never met a stranger—only future friends, shopping buddies, and partners in crime for an adventure. She had a heart as big as her love for Marilyn Monroe, and if there was sparkle to be worn, you can bet she was wearing it.

On Friday, March 14, the world lost a little bit of its shine, but heaven gained a star.

Teri had a gift for making people laugh, whether through her sharp wit, her hilariously quirky personality, or simply her zest for squeezing every drop of joy out of life. She wasn’t here to play it small—she was here to shine, and shine she did.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of Candace and Michael, who she loved with all her heart, and the doting Nana “Banana” of five amazing grandchildren. She would travel any distance—especially to DC and South Carolina—just to spend time with them, spoiling them endlessly and making sure they always knew just how much they were loved.

Teri believed in kindness, good energy, and lifting people up. She wanted the world to be brighter, happier, and full of laughter, and she led by example—spreading love wherever she went, making people smile, and always reminding others to be their best, most authentic selves.

She is survived by her daughter Candace Perry of Elizabethtown, KY; her son Michael Finley (Tristan) of South Carolina; her beloved grandchildren Nathan, Landon, Cordin, Harley and Gracie; sisters Trish Sakano and Cindy Bracken Fedele; niece Chelsea Buckwalter; nephews Quentin Christian, Keaton Turner, Christopher Bracken, and Cory Bracken; and a countless number of friends who were lucky enough to be part of her orbit.

So in honor of Teri, let’s all add a little more light to the world. Wear the bling, tell the joke, hug your people a little tighter, and never forget to laugh—because that’s exactly what she would have wanted. Most importantly, keep smiling!

Fly high, Teri. Heaven just got a whole lot more fabulous.

Her body will be cremated, and a celebration of life event will be held next month.