Teresa "Teri" Catherine Leese

Teresa “Teri” Catherine Leese, aged 59, passed away on the morning of November 20, 2024, due to complications from diabetes. Born in Murray, Utah, on April 17, 1965, Teresa’s life was forever changed at the age of eight when she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Despite its challenges, including the loss of her eyesight in her 20s, two kidney transplants, a pancreas transplant, and open-heart surgery,Teresa faced life with remarkable courage and resilience. Doctors marveled at how quickly she was ready to embrace life again after her surgeries, earning her the nickname “miracle girl.”

Teresa met Thomas Howse in 1995, beginning a relationship that lasted until her passing. We are forever grateful for the many times Thomas was by her side, supporting her when diabetes threatened her life. She had always triumphed, until November 20, 2024, when the Lord called her home.

Teresa grew up in the Mill creek area of Lolo, attending Woodman School and Big Sky High School. She graduated from the University of Montana in 1997 with a B.A. with honors, in Social Work. Earning her degree was both a challenge and a source of great pride, especially as a blind student. Teresa worked for over 25 years at the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind as a Cottage Life Attendant/Resident Advisor. She was deeply devoted to her students, always offering love and assistance. She believed firmly that anything could be accomplished with true effort.

Teresa loved hunting, camping, fishing, and her many dogs. She had a love for Rottweilers. She and Thomas attended Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation dinners, where winning a particular auction bid was often the highlight of the evening. She was also passionate about Donate Life, recognizing the profound impact of organ donation and transplant. One of her favorite seasonal events was the Parade of Lights, which brought her so much joy.

Teresa is survived by her partner, Thomas Howse of Great Falls; parents, Mert and Rita Leese of Missoula; sisters, Deborah Leese Odyk (Jack) of Missoula and Linette Lemm (Mike) of Goodyear, AZ;  brother, Rod Leese (Sherie) of Kalispell; Andrew Cuevas of Arlington, WA; and Brindle and Onyx, her much loved dogs. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and she would have been so excited to know that a new great-niece or nephew is expected this summer.

Thomas and the family would like to thank Dr. Varghese Parambi, her long-time nephrologist, whom Teresa regarded as the best.

We also want to acknowledge the friendship of the Bleskin family of Great Falls and the Bowman family of Belt. Teresa loved you all deeply. A special thanks to Ryan Bowman, who will create a permanent plaque in Teresa’s memory to be placed at her favorite camping spot.

Teresa was a fighter from her first breath. That fighting spirit and her courage defined her life. She was loved by all who knew her.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Teresa’s name may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) https://www.breakthrought1d.org/, or you may plant a tree in her honor.

Goodbye, Teresa. You were deeply loved and will be forever missed.