Dear Dan,
Read memorial in The College.
I am so sorry; I haven't seen you since college, I think.
I remember Teresa's keen insights, warmth and kindness.
My condolences to you and family.
Peter

Dear Dan, I read Teresa's lovely memorial in "The College". I think the last time I saw the two of you was shortly after your wedding. I remember the two of you telling together the story of how she, her mother and you planned the ceremony, with you given the choice of color of what the grooms men would wear. I laughed so much, and she was so totally unperturbed. It sounds like you have had a long, happy, successful marriage. I am so sorry for your loss. Rachel Roberts Barrett

Dear Dan & children,
I haven't gotten The College magazine just yet, but saw a note someone had posted on Facebook. I remember Teresa as one of the most pleasant of the bright young women next to the "Old Men's" dorm '75-'76 (Most of us already had degree(s) or were veterans.) I am so sorry for your loss. May her memory be eternal!

Dear Dan,

I just heard about Teresa's passing while reading The College. I knew you both from your Chicago days. I remember reading the Republic with you at Chris' office. I also remember you taking me to my first, but not last, Cub game. I had such fun with you guys. She will be missed as she put out wonderful energy into the world. 
With great condolences,
Nancy Wallace

 I knew Teresa as a student at St. John's College, she stood out then as an exceptionally warm, kind, very intelligent, down to earth person. Very sad to hear this news, best wishes to Danny and to their family.

Danny,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I just heard from Sim and Vicky.  You may not remember me.  I am David Safir, Sim's second cousin and, therefore, a cousin to you.  I think we met once or twice many, many years ago.  We have not been in touch and I did not know of Teresa's illness.  I, myself, lost my dear wife at the age of 43 to Leukemia.  I know that there is a tremendous emptiness and void, which can't be filled, but also a relief that the suffering is over.  My sincere condolences to you, Danny, and to the whole family.  I am so sorry.
Love,
David

I am so sorry to find out about Teresa's passing. I simply loved her.
Kathy Marshall

Teresa was a warm, funny vibrant friend.  I will always remember our shared conversations- about music, waldorf administration and education, children.... It was a real pleasure to see Claire so grown up this Fall at Hermit Island.  My love to all the family.

I met Teresa years ago while working on a project for the Waldorf High School together. She gave me an introduction into Steiner's philosophy and the Waldorf course of learning - two gifts for which I will forever be grateful. She took such pride in her fellow educators, students at the Waldorf High School, and her family. Her enthusiasm was contagious — the way that of a joyous soul can be, sharing the light with everyone she came in contact with. She will be missed by so many. I have to believe, though her spirit is gone from this world, that part of her lives on in each of us and she knows how much she touched each of our lives.

Most of us hope to make a ripple in the pond of life with what we accomplish. Teresa made a splash, and in the Waldorf community, she was a tidal wave. Our families have shared many connections over the years as parents of same age children, as colleagues on the faculty and the board, and mostly as friends. I got to know Teresa's strength when she helped run the capital campaign for the High School. She showed dignity, persuasiveness, warmth and a tenacious capacity to get things done. I have always enjoyed Teresa's sense of humor. The Waldorf School is truly blessed to have had the whole Raizen family be a part of the core that has brought it to where it is today. Dan, Nat, Ben and Claire, know that she and you are loved and embraced by the community at this difficult time for all of us.

We have known Teresa since Ben was a baby and in a play group with our daughter.  I have always had the utmost respect for the high standards she held.  By her example I feel that she made all of us strive a little harder and go a little deeper in whatever direction her attention was focused.  She was the one who dared to ask the courageous questions and face directly the challenges of life.  And yet, all this she did with a warmth and grace that was also a Teresa Raizen signature.  Our lives have been enriched with her presence.

I have always had so much admiration for Teresa for her strength, generosity, love, and sense of humor. It's so hard to say goodbye, but Teresa brought so many gifts to so many people. I will miss her dearly!

As a friend of Sara's, I know Sara admired and valued her time with Teresa.  The bond of sisterhood is everlasting as well as Teresa's spirit.  May God's grace comfort all of you in your time of sorrow.
All my love, Ronda (Surina) Massey

Dan, Nat, Ben, Claire, it's been a long time that I've had the pleasure and honor of knowing each of you over the last 14 years. I will remember Teresa fondly in her role as mom and Waldorf staff/faculty.  I will always have wonderful memories that I will hold onto. You are a special family, a reflection of her love.

I knew Teresa as a fellow parent during the 8-year journey of my oldest son's Waldorf class, and I would navigate the room to be near her and talk. It was easy to see that she was grounded and wise, rare qualities in this world. I remember learning early that she was a cancer survivor and I could see how that battle had carved away the waste in her system- she knew what it means to be truly present. She was grateful, and real, and honest. When I think of Teresa what comes to me most is the power of her spirit and how infectious it was. Her powerful gentle spirit inspired me to be a little more empowered, a little more gentle, present and grateful. That inspiration feels just as real even though she has passed from the physical world. Dan, Claire, Nat and Ben, I hope you know how many people your mother touched-- even those of us on the periphery count ourselves blessed. You are all in my prayers.

Teresa was a wonderful kind and generous woman - so glad to have known her. In addition to her gentle and welcoming presence, I remember especially her loving kindness to others who faced the challenges of living with a terminal illness. She was a true gift to our community - Waldorf and beyond. We will miss her.  Dear Dan, Nate, Ben and Claire - we offer you our deepest condolences as you lay your life partner and mother to rest.  Love, Sue Coakley and David Eggleton

We will miss Teresa, our neighbor and friend; we are grateful to have known her; and we'll keep her family in our thoughts and prayers.

What a pleasure to have known and worked with Teresa, to have become her friend as well as a colleague. Her acceptance of and fond joy in the world just as it is, for the teenagers of Waldorf High School, her colleagues, for literature and learning was full of grace. Never did I have a conversation with Teresa, no matter where it began, that did not end up being about Nat, Ben and Claire. She was so proud of her children, so very pleased with each of their characters and interests and growth. Thank you for sharing her with us.

I only knew Teresa a short year but found her to be kind, gentle and incredibly strong.  It was truly obvious how very much she loved her family.  My thoughts and prayers are with Dan, Claire and her entire family.

When we think of Teresa, we remember her loving approach to all and her consistent level of of humility.  What we learned from Teresa was that she was always giving because she seemed to know what was most valuable in life...it was not what one has in life but who they have in their life. She made you want to be a part of her life every time she was with you.  What a gift. We are blessed to have know her.  Pam and Steve Cady

Dear Dan, Nat, Ben, and Claire,My strongest thoughts are with you during this transition.  I deeply appreciate that Teresa's and my paths crossed at the Waldorf School and, later, here in Santa Fe.  It was a privilege to know her, to share her enthusiasm for life and friendship. Fondly, Ann Willcutt

I too was shocked and greatly saddened to hear of Teresa's passing. Teresa was, quite simply, one of the kindest, most generous, most good-hearted persons I have known. 

I first met Teresa and Dan as young parents at La Leche League. Although we have not been in touch for a long time, for many years I was the Raizen's housecleaner and a fellow Waldorf parent. The gifts of time, money, and attention that the Raizens have given the Waldorf School are immeasurable, and Teresa will be sadly missed by many. Many more in years to come, who may not have even known Teresa, will continue to be the recipients of her love for both the Waldorf elementary and high schools.

If, as Steiner's followers believe, we are on this earth for exactly as long as we need to be in order to "get" the lesson of this particular lifetime, then I do believe that Teresa had learned her lesson years ago but fought valiantly to stay in this world to be with the children, husband, family, and friends she loved so dearly.

Mrs. Raizen was the most beautiful, loving person. Her warm smile greeted me every day at Waldorf and she was always there to listen. Mr.Raizen was also the most wonderful, helpful, understanding teacher with the biggest heart. The entire Raizen family is a joy and I can not imagine my life at Waldorf without them. Mrs. Raizen will truly be one of the most beautiful, bright angels above and will always have a home in the heart of all who knew her. Mr. Raizen if you read this, my heart goes out to you--I know you have the strength to make it through anything though at times it might not feel that way. I had the pleasure of spending 1 year in school with Ben and 2 with Claire. Nate, Ben, and Claire, your mother will always be with you. When she talked about you all her face beamed and she had every reason to be proud, you are all wonderful and talented. A mother is a precious gift that I am so sorry had to be taken from you too early but all 4 of you have many people who love you, including me! Take time to take care of yourselves. With all the love in my heart, Alix Voyajopoulos (Waldorf Alumna 2010)

It was a pleasure to know and work with Teresa. She was always a welcoming and friendly presence at the School. She was a wise counselor on the challenges of parenting a teenager. And, as a member of the School's governing Board, she was a creative and enthusiastic fund-raiser. She will be dearly missed. Happily, her spirit will live on, beautifully, in the  many students whose lives she transformed.

I feel like i was truly blessed having teresa come into my life.  i have never known anyone as kind, gentle, funny and so strong.  she truly was like a sister that i have never had.  my heart is broken.  love and prayers to teresa's beautiful family and especially, claire.  sandy gross (holliston, MA)

This has really shocked me to the core.  I did not even know she was sick.  When my daughter went to Waldorf high for 2 years - Teresa showed unconditional kindness towards both of us.  And consistently helped with rides and a listening year.  She was certainly a one-of-a-kind individual - a huge loss to our community.  My condolences to her family and her friends.

We all adored Teresa and will hold her in our hearts always. She will always be a guiding light. Sending prayers and solace to all of the Raizens

As Teresa's colleague for over fifteen years I can say she was an inspiration to me.  Strong, loyal, and funny!   We laughed together a lot.  Teresa set a high bar of excellence for herself, and by example, for others.   She will always be with me. Susan Morris, Waldorf High School

I was glad to know Teresa, though I hadn't seen her in recent years. She was a quiet, gentle, warm and intelligent woman with many talents. My condolences to all her family.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Stubbs

OBITUARY

Teresa Raizen

April 21, 1955 – December 13, 2012

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