It is with heavy hearts, we announce that our sweet Theresa J. Thieme “Terri”, 65, passed away on January 8, 2025, in her home in Hampton, Virginia.
She was born in Peoria, IL to the late Robert and Alice Thieme.
She is survived by her loving wife of 5 years, Catherine Ann DeMartino, who was not only her wife, but also Terri’s compassionate full-time caregiver. Other survivors include her brother, Bob Thieme and wife, Alice of Milford, UT and Nairobi, Kenya; her brother, John Thieme and wife, Joanna of Washington, IL; her sister, Becky Holmes and husband, Jim of Washington, IL; stepbrothers and sisters and their families; many nieces and nephews and their families.
Family meant everything to Terri. She loved and cherished any time spent with them. Further surviving, is Catherine’s large family who absolutely adored Terri and welcomed her fun, loving spirit and awesomeness with open arms. Also, her countless long time friends, especially her “Red Cross Family” who were very important to her.
Her parents, step mother and niece preceded her in death.
Terri grew up in Washington, IL, where she graduated from Washington Community High School in 1977. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Old Dominion University in 1985. After retiring from the Red Cross after 32 years, she later worked for both Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Riverside Regional Medical Center.
Terri’s adventuresome spirit took her from Illinois to Virginia in 1980 where she fell in love with the beach, the ocean and all the magic that it has to offer. So, it’s obvious, some of her many passions included shelling, collecting sea glass, scavenging buoys after storms, dolphin watching, kayaking and campfires at the beach. Needless to say, Virginia became her home for the rest of her life.
Terri loved to travel. She had the privilege of visiting many fabulous places; Germany, Switzerland, Iceland, Africa, Madagascar and Thailand. But the travels closest to her heart were the times spent with her family on the Outers Banks of NC.
Terri had a generous heart. She was always giving and doing for everyone she knew. Although she is no longer with us, Terri’s adventurous spirit and loving heart will live on in all those who had the honor and privilege of knowing her.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Terri’s honor at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 Buckroe Avenue, Hampton, VA 23664 with a reception to follow.
A Celebration of Life, to honor and remember Terri, will be held in her hometown of Washington, IL at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross.
