There are too many memories to share and all of them are fond. Teresa was truly an angel and she will be forever missed.

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Teresa on the day I went to my first job interview for my first NP position. I remember as I was filling out forms, she smiled at me and told me not to worry. Every day after that she was a supportive guiding and uplifting spirit at work. I’ve missed her since I left that position (especially after lunch, when she would always tell me about the salad in my teeth). The world was brighter because Teresa was here, and I will continue to carry the memories of her with me.

Teresa we’ve been so blessed to have you in our family. You’ve always been so kind, caring, loving and full of happiness. A wonderful sister-in-law and an awesome aunt to your nieces and nephews. You will be dearly missed. Love, Dorothea and Roger

Tessie, 
 You were an absolute pleasure, a true friend who was alway pleasant and happy and easy to be around.  We love you very much and we will miss you.   Xoxo 

Sincere condolences to the Dechen/Ketterer families from our LaGuardia Place Pediatrics (LPPEds) family.  Apologies as this is going to be long winded as I take a trip down memory lane from Teresa’s other home and family, our office. She was the heart and soul (and sunshine) of LPPEds. In 1994 when I was establishing LPPeds we recruited Teresa to be our first receptionist and only employee—Wow… how blessed we were!  She started as our receptionist but grew into absolutely every job in the office.  She was game to learn anything. Patients loved her! She knew absolutely everyone’s name.  She loved the kids.  After getting their shots, nothing dried tears as much as saying ‘Well done, now you can go see Teresa!”— and out they ran to her welcoming smile and basket of stickers, etc.  Boy did she love that Smilemakers catalog,lol.  On the ‘business’ side together we learned how to use the computer system (1998).  We laughed later at how we both struggled to understand the ‘day sheet’ and it was no mean feat to convince her to give up her old appointment book!  Through all this she was always game to learn, master, then laugh.  She took it one step further and together we were the IT team,yikes!  She had her own toolbox.  A Medical Assistant left us once again… guess who helped out?  Time and time again, following each ‘disaster’ she’d say “It always works out”.  Insurance companies became ever more invasive and billing more and more complicated —- enter Sharese!  What I didn’t know is that together these friends would become the dynamic duo of office management. Teresa by now the Office Manager and Sharese the Biller, together they  were the HR department, interior decorators, fish tank gurus, etc. etc. As I said, she did everything (except let us take her picture).  I trusted her.  In 2016 the hardest part of closing down LPPeds was disbanding our family.  I already missed her, and now I’m in shock.  Thank you Gary and the Ketterers for sharing Teresa with us.

Teresa, I will never forget your beautiful soul. You were kind, intelligent, and unwaveringly positive. When I was with you, your very nature made me feel more motivated and strong. I hope you still feel my love, Teresa, and that you are at peace and free from pain. I will miss you, always.

To Teresa's family, I am so sorry for this unimaginable loss. Teresa was such a wonderful person and I could feel the love that she had for her family in our conversations. She treasured you and I am sure you guys helped her stay strong. I feel overwhelmingly thankful to have known her, been part of her life, and had her be a part of mine.

Words cannot express how much this loss has affected our family. Aunt Teresa was full of light, love, and silliness. She lit up any room she walked into. She had the biggest heart we will ever see on this earth.  Crying to Barney’s “ I love you” song, simple commercials or movies.. because that’s how  compassionate and sentimental she was. I will miss her smile and laugh. Oh God will I miss it. I looked up to Aunt Teresa my whole life because of how beautiful inside and out she was. I wanted to be just like her. I was her Goddaughter, she was my godmother. I remember being about 11 and hearing she had another god daughter and I was mad. I wanted her for myself because she was the coolest, there was no way I was sharing her.  It was always a fun time with Aunt Teresa. Singing Grease songs, sleepovers vegging out with popcorn and sunflower seeds, belly laughs. Just non stop laughing, always . Her love for our family is monumental. She taught me what family is all about. To have pride, love and to fight for your family. Her and my grandmother’s relationship was so strong and beautiful, they were best friends. Any mother and daughter would kill for that, I strive to build what they have with my daughter everyday. 
Aunt Teresa is the last person who should have her life cut short. The world needs more Aunt Teresa’s in it. I will never understand why her. The only thing that makes me feel an ounce of peace with this is knowing my dad has her up there now and she has him. Our lives will never be the same without her. But I know we can carry on her spirit by smiling and laughing as much as we can and remember to love with all of our hearts plus more. 

While we don’t see our family as much as we would like as we get older, it doesn’t change the love we have for each other. Teresa, I will miss you terribly. When we did get together it was as if not a day had gone by. I love you cuz ❤️

I am so, so, so sorry for your loss. Teresa and I worked together from 2008-2014; she had always been the utmost kind-hearted, well-tempered, laid back co-worker. Every time I needed help, she did everything she could to aid me. I had a lot of respect for her work, and she always made the kids smile. It was clear she loved children, and they loved her back. We lost a great soul: the world is a little darker without Teresa’s smile. I haven’t spoken to Teresa in a few years (since before the pandemic), but I suddenly was reminded of her on Sunday, 5/29, out of the blue. She must’ve come to say good-bye. My kindest wishes and love to you, Teresa, wherever you are. And my most sincere condolences to the family, and especially to Gary. It was clear you were the light of her life. 

My heart will never be the same. The world has lost a beautiful bright light and be forever a dimmer place. I love you big Cuz 

My heart is so saddened by the loss of Teresa. She was such a kind and compassionate person, and always had such positive energy. I feel blessed to have known Teresa. My deepest sympathy to her family for their loss. May we never forget the joy Teresa brought to all who knew her. 

OBITUARY

Teresa Dechen

April 8, 1970 – May 28, 2022

Werst & LaBella Funeral Home

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