Teresa Zyski has peacefully gone home to her Maker and God, after 95 years! She is reunited with her husband John "Johnny" E. Zyski, of almost 53 years of marriage, five of her seven sisters, and her parents, Joseph and Estella Koepele.

She leaves behind 8 children, Kathy Nikula (Ray), Carolyn Lindholm, Cindy Hamming (Mike), John Zyski (Marlene), Laura Gooding (Dick), Suzan Bowers (Paul), Dan Zyski (Teresa), and Anne Young (Mike). As well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great, great, grandchild, her sisters, Mary (Koepele) Cutnaw and Karlene (Zyski) Montgomery, and many relatives and friends.

Teresa was born in Norwalk, Ohio and had 6 sisters growing up. She graduated from St. Paul's High School in Norwalk, Ohio. She was introduced to John Zyski by Mary Katherine, John's cousin. He then became (lovingly) "Johnny" to her. They were married on May 8th, 1948. For their honeymoon they drove out from Ohio to visit Johnny's parents in Olympia, Washington. They loved the area so much they eventually moved to Olympia in about 1952. The family home for 71 years was on Central Street in the northeast side of Olympia.

Teresa was a loving and kind women who enjoyed volunteering at her parish; St. Michaels Catholic Church where she was involved in a Faith Sharing group and a member of the Ladies Guild Society. She frequently brought communion to homebound parishioners and helped provide meals after funerals. Additionally she volunteered at St. Peter Hospital and made lap quilts which she donated to Mother Joseph Care Center.

Some of her favorite interests and enjoyment included: gardening, feeding birds/hummers, watching squirrels, raccoons and 'her' deer around home. She enjoyed and celebrated life with her favorite music. She loved several tenor singers including, Andre Bocelli. She loved the song, Ave Maria. She crocheted, sewed, baked, enjoyed laughing with others, and dancing with Johnny in the kitchen! She was generous, kind, disciplined, a great listener, and a wise teacher. She showed her appreciation for all the gifts God and other's shared with her. She especially enjoyed hearing all about how family and friends were, and making them laugh when they would visit.

In 2006, at 78 years of age (5 years after Johnny died), she endured a stroke and fought tenaciously to stay positive and to regain her ability to walk and use her right hand! She was often seen, after her stroke, walking her neighborhood (with her walker). She would chat with neighbors, appreciate their yard-work, and look for her neighborhood deer. She taught her children and grands "The Way they should go" by living it in front of them; by loving God with all her heart. She dances with Johnny in Heaven... but leaves a hole in our hearts and lives here on Earth! Teresa, Mom, Mama, Gma, GG, Triple G, Sister, Relative, Friend, and neighbor... You will be missed!!

The family asks in leu of flowers or donations to make a donation to your favorite charity. Thank you.