First off, screw cancer

On Sunday, we lost my Aunt Teresa after her battle with cancer — a battle she fought with strength and grace.

Some of my favorite childhood memories were the summers I spent in Florida with her. She would take me to her work, and I would craft and get into things I probably shouldn’t have been getting into — but she still brought me along just to give me something to do. She took me to the bowling alley with her most weekends. She even tried to teach me bingo, but I was more interested in using the ink to make little pictures than actually playing. That was us.

I loved going to her house because it meant time with my cousins Joe and Michael. I’ll admit, I was completely terrified of the pitbull — but Teresa always made sure I felt safe. She always had my back.

And she truly did have my back — in more ways than one.

One summer we were at my Pawpaw’s mom’s house. She had an above-ground pool. I didn’t listen and went against what my parents told me — I went out there and put my feet in. I remember falling in, thrashing, screaming… and then suddenly Teresa and her husband Jeff jumping in — cigarettes still in their mouths — pulling me up. It’s one of the most vivid memories I have. She saved my life.

That was Teresa. Protective. Selfless. Immediate. She didn’t hesitate.

She put everyone else first. She loved helping people. She loved her family fiercely. She showed up for the people she cared about, over and over again.

She also shared something so special with my daughter — they had the same birthday. I’ll never forget when she met Harper for the first time when she was six months old. That connection meant so much. Telling my daughter that her Aunt Teresa is now in heaven absolutely broke my heart. Harper said, “But me and my aunt have the same birthday.” 💔 There’s something so tender and unfair about that.

I will always cherish the time we had together.

I’m grateful she’s no longer in pain. But I’m angry that cancer came back with

I will never forget the beautiful poem she wrote for Bobby when he passed John and I will always remember your beautiful smiles

I met a Jim and Valorie  first at Marty's  garage. They were dedicated to Post  359. Eventually,  I joined too. Teresa is Valories sister. She was the first person I met at Post 359. She was a few months ahead of me being in remission  from Breast cancer.  I was newly in remission  from rectal cancer.  We hit it off immediately!  We found comfort in each other. Talking  about our treatments  and side effects.. something we never shared much with others.  It was love for each other the moment we met.   I will miss you my sister, my friend 🧡

I remember the first time I met Teresa we were working one of the Friday night Auxiliary steak dinners. She was telling me about this younger guy that was interested in her and she didn’t know if she should date him because he was younger. I told her age doesn’t matter and she should go on a date. Shortly after that they started dating and their relationship grew and so did their love. Randall turned out to be her sweetheart that adored her to the end. God Bless all of Teresa’s family and friends.

Teresa. Even though I've only known you for a short while, it did not take long to realize what a kind hearted sweet soul you were. May you watch over us until we see you again. 💜

Prayers for your family. I enjoyed working with Teresa at Brevard County School Board ESE and FDLRS programs. She helped make it a successful program for ESE students.
Kathy Lowe

Everyone you love will arrive, stay for a while, and eventually leave. Their presence is a gift.  Teresa was a gift to family and friends. My life was better for knowing such a wonderful woman, and I will be forever grateful to have her be a part of my story.

OBITUARY

Teresa I. Battell

March 22, 1953 – February 22, 2026

Brevard Memorial Funeral Home & Park

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