Like many coworkers, Teresa has been with the Sisters for over 25 years, and she has loved it so much that six additional members of her family have come to work with the Sisters. She is a true example of how, when people are treated with kindness and feel valued, others are naturally drawn in. Her sister Connie started the family tradition, and when Teresa saw a job opening, she jumped at the opportunity to follow in her footsteps. Today, her sisters Charmen and Carmen, along with Sam, Betty, and Amanda, all work here. For Teresa, this is not just a work family, it is her real family.
Teresa began more than 25 years ago as a dishwasher, later transitioning to a stock clerk, and eventually into her current role as an MA Cook. Over the years, she has been cross-trained in all areas of the Food Service department, including the infirmary, salads, and soups, always willing to step in wherever she was needed. She fondly recalls having an office in the basement for a time, where she kept a Christmas tree up year-round, decorating it for every holiday, a small but joyful tradition that reflects her spirit.
Working for the Sisters is truly ingrained in her family. Teresa even inspired her daughter-in-law to join, who is now one of the leaders in her department. When you speak with Teresa, you can feel the love she has for her family. She has two sons, two grandsons, and is incredibly close to them all. She often speaks of her sister and the joy she finds in her sister’s grandchild, Everly, who is just beginning to walk.
Teresa grew up in the Metamora area and has many fond memories of Canal Days and the beauty of growing up in such a quaint, historic town. She and her husband, who passed away after 34 years of marriage, lived near a small horse farm in Metamora. After his passing, Teresa was grateful to be able to sell the property to a family member and move in with her son Matt, daughter-in-law Amanda, and their son. She fondly remembers their Great Dane, Travis, who lived to be 14 or 15 years old and never left Amanda’s side.
Throughout her years with the Sisters, Teresa recalls many who left a lasting impression, S. Michael Ann, S. Marcella Koors, and the Stier Sisters among them. She laughs remembering how the Stier Sisters, whose eyesight was failing, would play cards and jokingly accuse each other of cheating,it was something she says was always hilarious to watch. She has also loved talking with S. Timothy, S. Marie Cecile, and S. Cathleen , and reflects that so many Sisters have touched her life that it’s hard to name them all. One memory that stands out is of S. Marcella Koors, whose nephew wanted a certain delivery route for Sysco just so he could visit his aunt, a small but meaningful act of love for his aunt.
For Teresa, working with the Sisters has always brought a sense of peace. If she came to work carrying a worry or concern, it seemed to fade into the background once she was there. She has always been grateful for her time with them and still finds joy in the little moments, including watching the Sisters debating a topic.
S. Barb Riemensperger also left a lasting legacy in Teresa’s mind through her example of service. She would visit Kroger once a week and bring back leftover food they generously donated, cakes, pies, donuts to share, making sure everyone received something. Her kindness and care left a deep impression on Teresa.
When asked why she has stayed all these years, Teresa shares that working for the Sisters has given her a good quality of life. There is always someone willing to help, and the scheduling is fair, with rotating weekends. Most days, she has been able to leave work at a reasonable hour, allowing her to be present for her family. When the weather has been bad, the Sisters offer a place for her to stay with them.
Outside of work, Teresa enjoys spending time with her family, watching TV, and reading on her Kindle. She loves going with her sister to visit the grandbaby, shopping at Walmart, and making special memories like early morning Christmas shopping trips to Richmond followed by going out to eat together.
She enjoys shows like Charlie’s Angels, The Brady Bunch, and The Golden Girls, along with murder mysteries, though she prefers the lighter, “Nancy Drew” type. She once watched Jeepers Creepers and decided it was a bit too scary. She loves a good mystery with a positive ending, funny ghost stories, and has enjoyed soap operas like The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns, and Guiding Light.
Teresa also fondly recalls her Aunt Alice, who she says she gets some of her directness from. She laughs remembering how her aunt loved wrestling so much that she was eventually banned from matches due to running up to the ring and swinging her purse at the opposing wrestler, a memory that still makes her smile.
One of Teresa’s biggest dreams is to live close to the Sisters. She is excited about the future plans for RDOOR to create senior living in Olivia and Theresa Hall and hopes to live there, remaining near the community that has meant so much to her. She looks forward to continuing to spend time with her little blonde-haired, blue-eyed great niece as she grows.
We are deeply grateful for Teresa’s love for the Sisters over all these years and for the trust she has shown in bringing so many of her family members into this mission. Like so many coworkers, Teresa has experienced the peace, kindness, and compassion of the Sisters and her story reflects those same gifts lived out every day.