Teresa Kay Fowler

Teresa graduated from Williamston High School in 1974 and received a bachelor's degree of Arts in English with creative writing emphasis from Skidmore College University Without Walls in 1985. While attending school she was a cheerleader and salutatorian of her class. She attended numerous workshops throughout the years, always eager to learn and grow.

Teresa was a woman of many talents and interests. As a freelance writer and editor, she left her mark in the world of both fiction and nonfiction, contributing to a variety of publications. Her work appeared in esteemed outlets including the Chicago Tribune, Detroit News, National Review, Traverse City Record-Eagle, Auction Exchange and Collectors News, and the Lansing Star, to name a few. Her stories frequently graced the arts, entertainment, and northern living feature pages, and she earned a first-place award for feature stories in the Michigan Press Association’s Better Newspapers Contest. Teresa’s journalism career began with an internship at the Spokesman Review, which set the stage for a distinguished tenure from 1986 to 1997 at the Traverse City Record Eagle. During this time, she launched the newspaper's entertainment section and agricultural page, in addition to editing, designing advance pages, and contributing regular features.

From 1999 to 2002, Teresa served as a representative for the estate of Berrien Fragos Thorn, where she not only raised funds for charitable causes but also edited his final manuscript. This role reflected her keen editorial eye, compassion, and commitment to preserving legacies.

Beyond her written word, Teresa was a devoted artisan. A talented musician, quilter, and tea blender, she found inspiration in the rich heritage of Michigan's maritime history. Teresa developed her own line of teas, equipage, and lore steeped in the stories of the Great Lakes, honoring both tradition and innovation. As a quilter, she stitched a variety of creations, from Catholic vestments to custom quilts, showcasing her intricate skills and devotion to craftsmanship.

Teresa was a member of numerous organizations in the tea, quilting, music and writing communities. Her life was one of balance and beauty, an embodiment of her commitment to the arts, service, and community. She leaves behind a vast array of accomplishments that speak to her diverse talents and genuine love for the world around her.

Teresa is survived by her sister Karen (Charley) Lawler; nephew Stephen (Paige) Lawler; niece MacKenzie (Peter) Plaskey; and great nephew Benjamin Lawler. She is preceded in death by her parents: Sam and Kay Fowler; grandparents: Lamont and Leona Meier; brother Tom (Kathy) Fowler; and her beloved Shar Pei dog, Artic.

A graveside service for Teresa will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, at 1:00pm at Union Plains Cemetery, Byron, MI. Following the service, there will be a luncheon at Willow Brook Golf Course, 311 Maple St., Byron, MI 48418. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Teresa may be made to the Mackinac County Animal Shelter or the Lupus Foundation of America.