Teresa Smith, 56

Teresa Christine Smith, age 56, of Juneau, Alaska, and a former resident of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at her home.
She was born Feb.2, 1959, in Sturgis, a daughter of David Lee and Karen K. (Paxton) Gilbo.
Teresa resided in Alaska for the past several years. She also lived in Oregon for more than 20 years and her early life was lived in Sturgis. She was a member of the Sturgis High School class of 1977 and she continued her education at Glen Oaks Community College, where she earned an associates degree and also attended University of Alaska Southwest in Juneau.
Teresa retired from Costco Company following many years of employment. Following her retirement, she accepted a full time position with the Alaska Department of Transportation.
While living in Sturgis, she attended Sturgis Missionary Church. Teresa was, to say the least, a very independent and free-spirited woman. At the age of 16 she hitchhiked to Oregon. She had a true love and appreciation for the outdoors. She enjoyed hiking, especially in the mountains, clam-digging, fishing, gardening, crocheting and was an avid reader.
She is survived by a daughter, Emily Sparrow of South Bend, Ind.; a son, Simon Smith of Anchorage, Alaska; a stepson, Wade Smith; five grandchildren, Aubrey, Arabella, Kayne, Kelsey and Xander, and expecting her sixth grandchild in July; her mother, Karen Broadworth of Sturgis; two sisters, Stephanie (Randy Gibson) Pleasant of Sturgis and Roxanna (David) Munn of Sturgis; a brother, David (Paula) Gilbo II of Kentucky; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Teresa Smith will be held at noon Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Bob Renner of the Sturgis Missionary Church will officiate.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Teresa’s memory consider St. Joseph County Animal Control, 652 E. Main St., Centreville, MI 49032.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralghomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.