Teresa "Terrie" Marie Heemsbergen

Teresa "Terrie" Marie Heemsbergen, a beloved mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully at home in Seabrook, Texas surrounded by her family on December 3, 2024, at the age of 78. Terrie was born on May 12, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois to Joseph Anthony Rudzianski and Gladys Irene Joelson.

Terrie was a practicing nurse for 44 years. She got her nursing degree from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester, MN in 1967, her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Mary-Hardin Baylor in 1981, and her Master's in Health Administration/Health Education from Southwest Texas State University in 1990. She took various classes towards her Master's in Nursing and Doctorate in Educational Technology until 2006 when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and Parkinson's Disease.

Her passion for teaching was evident in her 20-year career as a Nursing Instructor at McLennan Community College and Temple College, where she touched the lives of countless students with her kindness, knowledge and humor. She was also actively involved with the TPAPN Association for over 15 years and a dedicated volunteer with the Parkinson's Disease Foundation until her death.

She is survived by her sister, Cathy Marketis of Orlando, FL, her daughter Laura and husband John Dollar, son Eric and Melissa Beam, 6 grandchildren Katlyn Reed and her husband Wyatt Reed, Amber Gajevsky, Joseph Gajevsky, Jackson Dollar, Chloe Harris and Ireland Sebetka. Terrie also met and married Ronald Nelson in Temple, Texas and they remained married until 2023.

Terrie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gladys Rudzianski, her brother, Robert Rudzianski and husband, William "Bill" Heemsbergen.

Terrie was a devoted mother, grandmother and sister. She courageously fought Parkinson’s Disease for over 18 years, always finding joy in family gatherings and the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on December 9, 2024, at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Temple, Texas. Lunch will be served at 11 A.M, visitation will begin at 12 P.M. and the service will begin at 1 P.M. Interment will follow the service at Robert’s Cemetery in Troy, Texas.

We would like to give special thanks to all of Terrie's caregivers, Merari, Karla, Mary, Trish and Karina who tirelessly and compassionately cared for her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Service Dog's, Inc. in Terrie's memory.