Teresa Lynn Abbey

Teresa (Terry) Lynn Abbey (Tupper) was born on February 2, 1955, to David and Karen Tupper, and passed away at the age of 70 on January 14, 2026, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Born on Groundhog Day in 1955, Terry spent her life proving that winter birthdays can still bring plenty of sunshine.

A Lansing native, Terry graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1973 and went on to build both a career and lifelong friendships at Michigan State University, where she worked for many years before happily retiring in 2012 - the same year her beloved grandson, Xavier, was born (a timing she would have called perfect).

On April 16, 1983, Terry married the love of her life, Richard Abbey. They shared 29 wonderful years together before Richard’s passing in 2012. Above all else, Terry was devoted to her family and loved ones. She was a proud and loving mother to her beautiful daughter, Stefanie, and an enthusiastic, front-row, never-missed-a-game superfan of her cherished grandson, Xavier. If there was a sporting event, competition, or milestone - Terry was there, probably cheering the loudest.

Terry was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Abbey; Mother, Karen Good; Father, David Tupper; Baby brother, Davey Tupper; Sister, Tammy Reynolds; Nephew, CPL Nyle Yates III; and Aunt Rev. Shirley Tupper. She is survived by her daughter, Stefanie Abbey; Grandson, Xavier Luna; Sisters Jami Edgecomb and Karlene Tupper; Brothers, Nick (Sheila) Monroe and Christopher Tupper; Niece, Krystal (John) Drummond; Nephews, Brian Shields (Andrea) and Shane (Lena) Tupper; Great nieces, Lilliana Tupper and Brilynn & Ella Drummond; Step children, David (Beverly) Abbey, Rick (Stephanie) Abbey, and Teri (Windi) Abbey; Step Grandchildren, Katie (Tim) Wilson, Joseph, Zachary, Christopher, and Jason Abbey; and close friends, Shirley Rozelle and Candice Johnson.

Terry had a bubbly personality, a contagious laugh, and a gift for making people feel instantly welcome. She truly seemed to like just about everyone - and most people adored her right back. She loved reading, camping (and glamping), trips “up north,” long beach days on Lake Michigan, and cozy nights around the campfire in Manistee. Terry loved her cats dearly as well as her grand dogs. She was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan, sticking with them through thick and thin. Additionally, Terry loved euchre and was everyone’s favorite euchre partner.

Terry was good at making others laugh, sometimes just by saying out loud what she was thinking, such as, “When I stand up, I grow taller.” If you knew Terry, you can probably imagine her saying, “Shoulda notta got it,” which became an ongoing joke with Terry and Stefanie after she ordered some food she didn’t like and said that by accident.

Proud of her Irish heritage, Terry dreamed of one day visiting Ireland. And, in a lesser-known but much-loved chapter of her life, Terry and a very young Stefanie once spread joy as clowns - complete with balloon animals and a few learned tricks… because, of course she did.

Sunflowers were Terry’s favorite flower, a fitting symbol of her joy, positivity, loyalty, and strength. Like a sunflower, Terry had a way of turning toward the light - and helping others do the same. Terry leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love - and a reminder to show up for the people who matter, cheer loudly, and never miss a chance to sit by the fire. She will be deeply missed and forever celebrated.

Please join us at the Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM, Monday, February 16th, 2026, at Victor Township Hall, 6843 E. Alward Road, Laingsburg, MI 48848 (517)651-2094.

In Terry’s honor, the celebration will be sunflower-themed; guests are encouraged to wear or bring sunflowers to help fill the day with the brightness she brought to so many lives.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com