Theresa Ann Mills

Theresa Ann Mills
January 6, 1956-July 24, 2011
KEIZER - Theresa Ann Mills was born in Weymouth Massachusetts to Dolores and Gerald Sheehan in 1956. At the early age of five the family moved out west to Oregon in 1961.
She graduated from Sacred Heart in 1974 and continued her education at Chemeketa Community College. During this time, Theresa prioritized her goals and dedicated endless hours in the classroom towards becoming a Pre-School Teacher.
Theresa started a family of her own with the marriage to Stan Mills in 1977. The next seven years Theresa and Stan would bring in to this world three boys and one girl-the family was now complete.
Over the course of the following twenty-five years Theresa was a Pre-School Teacher for the Salem YMCA. She truly believed that making a difference in the world began with children at a very young age and she gave her utmost attention and care to the kids whose lives she had touched over two plus decades of work in Child Development.
In 2008 she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage-four cancer. During the next three years she fought each set-back, each peak and valley with renewed vigor, and renewed hope that one day she could beat this disease. She battled till her very last breath and on July 24, 2011 it took her life all too soon.
One of her hobbies included gardening where each Spring rain or shine she enjoyed planting a wide array of flowers. Theresa also enjoyed collecting teddy bears and candles which were specifically placed throughout the house and if even one was misplaced or went missing she was sure to know. Her favorite time of the year was always during the Holidays; it was at this time that as her kids grew older that she could have the entire family together again under the same roof even if for only one day.
Theresa is survived by Stan her husband of thirty-four years along with four children; Chris, Aaron, Pat and Crystal Mills. In addition she is survived by her brothers John, Jerry plus sister Susan and mother Dolores Sheehan.
Theresa was a devoted, caring and loving mother, wife, sister and daughter leaving an impression on all that will be forever remembered, forever missed and to never be forgotten.
A memorial service will be held at St Edwards Church on Wednesday July 27th at 1PM followed by a reception after mass. A private burial will be held for Theresa at Restlawn Cemetery for family viewing only. The family request's any memorial contributions be given to the American Cancer Society in Theresa's name.