Tessa Caroline Sutton

Tessa was a kind, empathetic soul who was always thinking of others. She loved sports, animals, music, art, sneakers, Harry Styles, Christmas, Disney movies, concerts, and her family. She loved being an aunt to her 2-year-old nephew. She excelled at sports from a young age and participated in basketball, softball, cross county, track, and soccer. Soccer was her true passion and she made life-long friends from all over central Illinois. She was blessed with wonderful coaches and teammates. She ran many charity 5K races in her short life including for St. Jude, never dreaming she would one day be a patient herself. She was a loyal friend who cared deeply about those she loved. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. She was feisty and competitive when playing sports and a bit of a perfectionist.

She had hoped to pursue a career in the medical field after being inspired by the caregivers she had these past two years. She thought that she would be able to relate to patients going through something similar in a way only someone who had experienced it could. She was able to work briefly at Brown Animal Hospital and loved her job there tremendously.

Tessa was born on March 20, 2006, in Peoria, IL to Rich and Michelle Sutton (Weber). They survive. Also surviving are her brothers Caleb (Megan) Aeschliman of Chicago, Josh Aeschliman of Peoria, sisters Hannah Sutton of Bartonville, Sarah Sutton of Pekin, her nephew Carter Aeschliman of Chicago, and grandparents Robert & Betty Weber of Lacon. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Richard Sutton & grandmother Sandy Sutton with whom she shared a close bond.

Tessa was diagnosed with an aggressive form of osteosarcoma in her right chest wall in May of 2021. She endured many rounds of chemo, two major surgeries, and radiation. In January of 2023, she was diagnosed with leukemia caused by of one of her chemo medications and there was no longer a path to a cure. Throughout her ordeal, she showed incredible courage, grace, and humor.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the entire central Illinois community who showed unbelievable love and support to Tessa during her cancer journey. Special thanks to the staff at the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate and OSF Children’s Hospital, OSF Hospice Home and the staff at St. Jude in Memphis. Thanks to Make-A-Wish Illinois and the generosity of the community, Tessa was able to experience a wonderful week with her entire family in Florida a month before her passing.

Visitation will be 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28th at Northwoods Community Church in Peoria. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29th also at Northwoods Community Church with Pastor Keith Lindgren officiating. Burial will be at Chillicothe City Cemetery.

The family encourages Tessa’s friends to wear their favorite team uniform to the services.

Memorials may be made to The Tessa Sutton Foundation or St. Jude. Tessa had many ideas of how to pay it forward through her foundation and the family will now carry that torch for her.

Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com for the Sutton family.