Teresa Johnson
June 18, 1964 June 28, 2021
Teresa Ann Johnson, age 57, passed away peacefully at home on June 27th in the company of her loving husband Brad and loyal greyhound Faith.
Terry was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 1964, to Harry and Phyllis Mamsch whose deaths preceded hers.
From growing up attending St. Monica Catholic School on the Northwest side of Chicago, to regularly attending services at St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco, Terry was always guided by her faith. She was happiest when surrounded by her pets, developing friendships, and providing assistance to those in need.
Upon graduating from theater school in Chicago, Terry moved to New York to pursue a career in theater. During this time, she met many lifelong friends and started a theater company before returning to Chicago to be closer to family. After arriving back in Chicago, Terry had a brief stint in insurance, where she met Brad in Maine while in training. Deciding insurance was not for her, Terry chose to pursue more meaningful work including teaching high school, working with teenage mothers, and starting a non-profit youth theater company where she made many great memories alongside her dear friend Judy Burton.
Terry loved Chicago, her friends, her family, and the passions she was pursuing when Brad was relocated to Birmingham, Michigan, for work. In Michigan, Terry again made many friends, discovered her love of yoga, and continued to act and direct theater productions. After becoming fully settled into Michigan, Terry moved again when Brad was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee. During Terry’s years in Memphis she opened a yoga studio, developed many meaningful relationships, began her pursuit of education focused on spirituality, and adopted two greyhounds (Kathleen and Faith), while finding time to serve as a board member of Lisieux Community and becoming a godmother to Adeline Gray.
To pursue her education, Terry turned the tables and asked Brad to move to San Francisco in 2018. During this time, Terry pursued her passion of working toward a Ph.D. in Women’s Spirituality, became infatuated with the play Hamilton, developed many meaningful relationships, traveled frequently, and worked tirelessly to support others in need.
In early 2020, Terry was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She fought a long and hard battle during which she never lost her faith. Terry would like to thank everyone who provided care, compassion, treatment, and a helping hand during this challenging time.
In addition to her husband, Brad, Terry is survived by her sisters Maggie and Pam, her niece Sarah, her nephew (and godson) Jake, and many, many friends.
Terry was no fan of cancer or funerals, and no funeral will be held in keeping with Terry’s wishes. Terry will be interred at St. Gregory of Nyssa. Rather than flowers or attending a funeral, Terry would ask that you say a prayer and/or hold someone in your thoughts who needs loving care or support.
If you are interested in donating to honor Terry, she was actively involved and supported the following nonprofits who always need assistance: The Lisieux Community (Memphis, TN), Braid Mission (San Francisco, CA), or CPMC Women’s Health Resource Center (San Francisco, CA)