Teresa Ann Gilbert

Teresa Gilbert passed away on September 27, 2025. She was married to her husband Bob for 55 years, and had three children and their spouses, and five grandchildren - all of whom she adored beyond belief.

Terri’s gentle exterior belied a steely interior and a wry but good-natured sense of humor. She had a calming presence that never failed to reassure those around her that everything would be okay, and a firm belief that everyone should be treated with compassion and dignity. These qualities were reflected in her support of LGBTQ rights, her friendships, her volunteer work, and the feeling among those close to her that she was always on your side. The spouses, partners, and close friends of her children and grandchildren felt as close a connection to her as her direct relatives, with many calling her “Grammy”.

Terri was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1951 to Maurine and Charles Hayhurst. Two years later her brother Charlie was born. The family moved around for a few years while her father was in the Air Force, and she went to kindergarten in Hawaii and remembered the local celebrations when Hawaii joined the Union. Her children and grandchildren loved to hear her tell stories of her childhood with Charlie and their upbringing.

The Hayhurst’s eventually moved to Colorado where she finished high school and attended the University of Colorado in Boulder. She met her soon-to-be husband, Bob, on a blind date. Terri and Bob were engaged just six weeks later, and after another five months they married and moved to the east coast so Bob could serve in the US Marine Corps.

Over the next seven years their daughter Ginny and sons Kevin and Ben were born, and Bob’s career led them to settle in Bothell, Washington. They lived there for more than forty years before moving north to Stanwood, Washington in 2020. Terri was a homemaker when her kids were young and later worked as an elementary school secretary. She made many friendships during those years that she cherished dearly, still meeting up for regular coffee dates decades later. She also volunteered at the Evergreen Hospital gift shop even after the move to Stanwood and was recently recognized for reaching a milestone of 3,500 volunteer hours.

Terri’s favorite thing was to be with her family, especially laughing and telling old stories. She loved it when her grandkids called, texted, or came by — just knowing her grandkids wanted to spend time with her made her feel special. In recent years she earned the nickname of “the Shark” because of the sneaky and devastating hands she would play at Hearts, Rummy, Uno, and other card games, delivered with a lighthearted laugh and disarming modesty. Every fall she made a point to buy her grandchildren a nice pair of shoes so they could start the school year looking sharp.

She also enjoyed reading, especially mystery novels, quilting and other fiber arts, and she was a talented painter. She was determined that she and her family should eat healthy meals, but also loved chocolate and French pastries. No visit from her mom was complete without a meal at the Queen Mary Tea Room - tiaras optional. Terri also loved to travel, and she and Bob went on many trips to Europe and to visit out of state family members. More recently they took several trips to France with Charlie and his wife Trish, and it was a great joy for her to be able to travel and connect with her brother. Aside from international travel, one of her favorite places was the Oregon Coast. Her family will forever have fond memories of taking vacations to Cannon Beach, walking the tidepools at Haystack Rock, browsing the shops, and enjoying an affogato from the Chocolate Cafe together.

She is survived by her husband Bob; daughter Ginny (Justin) and sons Kevin (Dawn) and Ben (Paige); grandchildren Sophie (Alissa), Henry, William, Ellie, and Viv; brother Charlie (Trish); brother-in-law Drew (Karen) and sister-in-law Donna (Tom); and many nieces and nephews. She touched each of their lives with love, and they will miss her more than words can say.

The family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) in lieu of flowers.