Teri Anne (Hanfelt) Joyer - a teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all - peacefully passed away April 12, 2022, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She was 67.
Born October 1, 1954 in South Bend, Indiana, to John Hanfelt and Estelle Goodrick, Teri was the oldest of eight children. After moving around the country the Hanfelts settled in Gunnison, Colorado, where Teri developed her love for the outdoors. Whether hiking in the mountains, white water rafting, camping, skiing or sledding, Teri thrived in nature and enjoyed it most when shared with family and friends.
After graduating from Gunnison High School, Teri attended the University of Colorado Nursing School in Denver where she earned her bachelor degree in 1975. Her first position was as nurse in a newborn nursery, which began a career that would span 40 years.
During her college years, fascinated with historic cultures, Teri travelled for two weeks to Russia where she not only developed an appreciation of the culture, she also met her future husband, fellow traveler, Mike Joyer, marrying in May of 1975.
Teri's career thrived and while continuing to work she earned her Master's in Nursing with a focus on newborns. During this time period, Teri and Mike welcomed their own children, Mike, and six years later, Lauren. Teri, already having "mothered" her seven siblings, easily fell into her new role, and cherished her two children, ensuring that while her career blossomed, so did her children. Keeping her love for the outdoors, the family went on bike rides, walks in the park, and hikes. Teri would work a full shift and come home to build a fort with her children and settle down with a book.
Teri's immense compassion and empathy were not only evident with her own children but also in how effectively she was able to integrate those values into her care of newborns and their parents.
In 1987 Teri and her children relocated to Portland, Oregon, where she assumed the position of nursing director of newborn nurseries at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. She later worked both as a nursing administrator in the Providence Hospital system and as an instructor at Linfield College of Nursing.
Being able to share her stories, her knowledge, and imparting the humanity aspect of nursing became her focus in life. Her true commitment and passion to her profession was evident by the numerous accolades from her students.
Retiring in 2014, Teri's complete devotion was centered on her children and her siblings, but she held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. Whether it was reading them books, going on nature walks, or turning the playhouse into a pirate ship, she ensured they knew that her love for them knew no bounds. And when they couldn't visit in person, a face time call would let her send a goodnight kiss, listen to a story, or laugh at a joke, so that Grandma was a special part of their lives.
Teri will be remembered for her caring embraces, her loving heart, her wholehearted dedication to each of her family and friends, and for always being ready to say, "I am here for you."
When dementia robbed Teri of her strength and stamina, she continued to teach us much about life. To expect the unexpected; to take the time to appreciate each other; to acknowledge that there is not always a need for words -- comfort can be drawn just by being together.
"She stepped from the arms of one family into the arms of her heavenly family."
Preceded in death by her father, John Hanfelt, Teri's memory will be cherished and kept alive by her children, Mike Joyer and wife, Tamison Joyer, Lauren Shaney and husband, Adam Shaney; her five grandchildren; Michael Joyer Sr.; her mother; her stepmother, Jean Hanfelt; her seven brothers and sisters; her nieces and nephews; and her many friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Compassion International or Alzheimer's Association (please see information below)
Our celebration of Teri Anne Joyer's life will take place at a later date. Please check back for updated service information.