Teresa Diane Handt was born on January 25, 1960 in Columbus, Indiana to Norman and Frances (Zapfe) Handt. She was the second of seven children.
Teresa was diagnosed at a young age with Down Syndrome. She attended special education classes through several area Bartholomew Consolidated Schools. In her childhood, Teresa competed in Special Olympics in track and swimming. She also attended Youth Camp for several years where she enjoyed outdoor activities and overnight camps. She was a member of St. Bartholomew Parish where she attended Mass regularly and made her First Communion.
Teresa graduated from Jefferson School in 1978. After graduating, Teresa went to work at Developmental Services doing piece work. She made many friends there among the staff and clients. Some of her favorite activities included special programming of concerts and dances.
Teresa had an unusual talent of never forgetting a name or a face. She would remember people even if it had been years since she had seen them. She also had an especially good memory for songs. She loved all kinds of music but especially country music which she would listen to for hours on her radio. She also loved Mickey Mouse and Rudolph. Her favorite color was red.
As an adult, Teresa lived in a group home with several other ladies near the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She attended nearby programs first at Crossroads and later at ResCare Day Center where she had many friends. In addition, Teresa enjoyed gathering with family for holidays and going out to lunch with her sisters.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents Norman and Frances and her younger brother Robert Handt.
Teresa leaves behind five siblings including Linda Sneed, Leon (Cindy) Handt, Barbara Handt, Ken (Ashley) Handt, and Sandra (Scott) Allman, all of whom will miss her dearly. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews including Shannon Sneed, Nathan Burton, Lauren (Mike) Raines, Rachel Handt, Abigail (Todd) Alsup, Matthew Allman, Sara Burton, Megan Allman, and Brittain Wicks, as well as a great-nephew Lucas Raines and a great-niece Caroline Raines. She also leaves behind several aunts and uncles on both sides as well as many cousins.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 5, 2022 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Fr. Chris Wadelton as celebrant. Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The ARC of Bartholomew County.
Please leave fond memories of Teresa or condolences for the family at www.Myers-Reed.com.
Myers-Reed Chapel is serving the Handt family.
