Terilin "Teri" Renee Thode, 74, long time resident of Brookfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026.

Teri was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick A. Thode and Janet G. Thode, and her beloved daughter, Heather Renee Geszvain.

She is survived by her daughters, Holly Dalsing (wife, Nicole Dalsing) and Heidi Thode; granddaughter, Heatherleigh Dalsing; honorary grandchildren, Giovanni and Kehlani Kelley; brother, Chris Thode; nieces and nephews: CJ, Matt, and Kaitlyn; former sister-in-law, Barb; former husband, Paul Geszvain; and many other family members, friends, former students, and children whose lives she touched over the years.

Teri's greatest joy was people, especially children. Long before becoming a grandmother, she was the kind of person who waved to children in grocery stores and struck up conversations with families in neighboring restaurant booths. She never seemed to meet a stranger, and children were naturally drawn to her warmth, smile, and playful spirit.

Teri was known for her smile, her infectious laugh, and her love of music and dancing. As a child, she appeared as a hula dancer on television. In high school, she was a baton twirler and played clarinet, attending summer band camps at Notre Dame. Her love of music remained throughout her life. If a song was playing, there was a good chance Teri was clapping along, swaying to the rhythm, or dancing. That love of dancing stayed with her until her final days.

One of Heatherleigh's favorite memories is making banana bread with Nana. Although it would have been faster and far less messy to do it herself, Teri always made sure Heather got to do the work. For Teri, the time spent together mattered more than a spotless kitchen or a perfect loaf of banana bread.

Teri was always thinking of others. Shopping wasn't just a hobby; it was one of the ways she showed love. Whether she was spending hours searching Kohl's clearance racks or browsing a rummage sale, she was often looking for something that reminded her of someone special. Birthdays weren't required. If she saw something that made her think of you, she brought it home.

Teri also had a well-known sweet tooth. Anytime her family drove past the Pine Cone in Johnson Creek, they knew to stop to bring Teri one of their famous oversized chocolate éclairs. She was equally devoted to M&M's, and family members learned there was a good chance of finding a hidden container tucked away in a drawer, purse, or side table. Finding one of those little containers today feels like finding a piece of Teri herself.

Teri spent much of her professional life as a Professor of Dietetics at Mount Mary College, where she shared her knowledge and passion for nutrition with generations of students. 

Even as Alzheimer's disease changed her so much in her later years, her smile, her love of music, and her instinct to dance remained. Those who knew and loved Teri will remember a woman who laughed easily, danced often, adored children, hunted for bargains, spoiled the people she loved, and always kept a little sweetness close at hand.

In accordance with Teri's wishes, no formal services will be held. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to share a favorite song, dance when the music moves them, enjoy a sweet treat, or perform a small act of kindness for someone they love.