May 8, 1973 - November 28, 2021
Peacefully, in front of the fireplace with her beloved dog Aspen by her side, Teri passed after an unexpected cardiac event. She was a strong and loving mother to Jordan “Jojo” Winter, Mikayla “Miki” Winter (Charly Cooper) and Jacqueline “Jack” Alisat (Jared Brice). Youngest sister of Daniel DeSerranno (Lily) and Ronald DeSerranno Jr., aunt of Gryphon and Keneun DeSerranno and Zachary and Serena DeSerranno. Niece of Jacque DeSerranno and Cathy DeSerranno. Teri was deeply loved and will be forever missed by “Uncle” Bruce Mackay, Jan Casselman and family, Hazel Fortier and family, Daniel Pikelin, Donna Pollock, Jim Rosenfield, the Thompson family, Robert Winter, Bernie Winter, Richard Winter (Dolores) and countless former students, colleagues and Sault College family.
Teri loved the outdoors and made it her life’s work to educate and inspire others through appreciation and understanding of nature. She was an enthusiastic fisherwoman and was happiest and most peaceful out on the water. A dedicated teacher who helped foster the next generation of naturalists, Teri loved the spark in the eyes of children as they discovered something new in the world.
A farmer on 150 acres of heritage land in Desbarats, ON, Teri enjoyed spending time with her chickens, cows, pigs and horses, managing the hay fields on her tractors and tending to her gardens. She was an active member of the local community, running the Youth Algoma Poultry Association and helping to coordinate many events over the years.
Teri recognized that family meant more than just blood relations. She had an open-door policy and never turned anyone away who needed help. One of her best pieces of advice was that “you’re not special” meaning you’re never alone in your challenges and loved ones always come together to help you reach your goals. She was ferociously determined and always kept going no matter what life threw at her. She made the most of everyday and every moment. She met every challenge with indomitable resolve and was sure to instill these values in her daughters. As she would always say even when she struggled with something: “don’t you dare take my hammer!”
The family would like to express appreciation to Stella, Michael, Dr. Ross and team and the many other staff and volunteers at The Peter Munk Cardiac Centre.
Teri would often volunteer herself for research hoping that one day others won’t have to go through what she has. If you wish to make a financial contribution, Teri has asked that you donate to The University Health Network at www.uhnfoundation.ca or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation atwww.heartandstroke.ca
A celebration of Teri’s life will be held at a later date.