GIFFORD - Teresa Simonis Emkes, 61, of Gifford died Thursday (Jan. 18, 2024) at Farmer City Rehab & Health Care after a valiant battle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease over the last four years.
Teresa was born at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Dec. 8, 1962, the daughter of Kenneth and Barbara (Washolovich) Simonis. She married Kevin Emkes on Oct. 17, 1981, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is also survived by her two children, Cayla (Lyle) Waters of Sellers and Regan (Clayton) Myers of O'Fallon; four grandchildren, Natalie Waters, Robert Waters, Adele Myers and baby Myers due in May 2024; longtime best friend, Diana Phillips-Gray; father- and mother-in-law, John and Norma Emkes of Gifford; and various aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Teresa was a 1981 graduate of Rantoul Township High School in Rantoul. After many years of night and weekend classes, she received her bachelor of arts in general studies from Eastern Illinois University in 2012. She also received her associate in applied science in massage therapy from Parkland College in August 2012.
Teresa was best known for her outstanding cooking and love of get-togethers with loved ones. She thrived on planning and hosting events, oftentimes cooking for an entire army regardless of the number of people invited. She was an avid lover of shoes, dogs, traveling, wine, recipes, family and friends. She was proud to have found her calling in massage therapy and loved helping her clients.
The family has entrusted Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, with Teresa's final wishes. Per her request, a funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul. Father Joel Phelps will officiate. Burial of ashes will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Penfield.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her in-home health caregiver, Stacy Glazik Couch, for the dedication and compassion she's shown to Teresa over the past two years.
For memorials and in lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to the Alzheimer's Association to fund the advancement of research for a cure.
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