Teri Denise Gail Saltzman-Montgomery

Teri Denise Gail Saltzman-Montgomery embodied true grit and good trouble – she was a force full of life, humor, and an unwavering sense of justice that made her a formidable advocate and beloved friend and family member.

Teri was Born in Miami, Florida, in 1962 to Sharon Adams and Jerry Saltzman. She grew up in Titusville, Florida, with her immediate and extended family working in support roles for NASA space programs. At the age of eight, a cancerous brain tumor left her blind. Despite this obstacle, intelligent and determined, Teri earned a bachelor’s degree in special education, a certificate in teaching for the visually impaired, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, and even a purple belt in karate. Teri dedicated herself to empowering individuals with disabilities until her brain cancer returned and took her life on February 17th, 2025, at the age of 62.

With her signature defiantly curly hair and bright purple cane in hand, Teri proudly marched on Washington advocating for disability rights, challenged Texas’s restrictive voting laws as a whistleblower and key witness, and served at Centers for Independent Living in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas during her professional career. And beyond her advocacy, Teri was known for her flair and impeccable fashion sense, curating her wardrobe and love of shoes with grace and talent. Her confidence and poise made her presence unforgettable, proving that activism and style are forms of self-expression and empowerment.

In the last 12 years of her life, Teri found happiness as a shining blue dot living in the red state of Texas alongside her longtime friend and devoted husband, Ruben Montgomery, and in her roles as a loving mom to her cats and the eccentric and wise fun-loving aunt to her nieces and nephews. Teri prided herself on being the Auntie Mame of the family, declaring for us all: "Live, Live, Live. Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!"

May she rest in power and peace.

Teri is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Saltzman, and her stepmother, Susan Saltzman; her mother, Sharon Adams; and her stepfather, Walter “Rick” Adams.

She is survived by her husband, Ruben Montgomery, and Siblings: Brian Saltzman (Robin Saltzman) of Palm Bay, FL, David Saltzman of Tampa, FL, Wendy Adams (Ron Nix) of Ocala, FL, Cinnamon Webb (Kevin Webb) of Tampa, FL, and Amber Post (Joe Post) of Portugal. Teri was a cherished aunt to fourteen nieces and nephews: Summer, Justin, Ryan, Aaron, Chris, Garrett, Cooper, Elise, Alex, Kiane, Chloe, Halina, Keara, and Lorrie.

I lost my best friend, my rock, the love of my life Teri. The strongest, smartest, most beautiful person I know inside and out. She truly left an indelible impression upon those who were blessed to have known her with kindness and unique sense of humor. You spent a lifetime relentlessly advocating for disability/civil rights. No more surgeries, radiation or chemo. Free of pain forever more. You broke the mold and have earned your wings sweetheart! Rest in eternal paradise until we meet again my love. Will always be your sweet baby,

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ADAPT (disability rights), ACLU (civil liberties), or St. Jude’s Hospital (pediatric brain cancer research)

A memorial service for Teri will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.