Teresa Mary Gares

Teresa Mary Gares passed away suddenly on Monday, Sept 15, 2025, surrounded by her husband and children. She was born and raised in Vancouver, BC to parents John and Lucille Busch (deceased).

She will be dearly missed by her husband of 53 years, Jim; her children, Cara (Derek); Rebecca (Cris); Marita (Ryan); Jonathan (Kelsey); Liam (Brettney) Amanda (Jesse); Patrick (Marleis); Michael (Jordan); and her 12 beautiful grandchildren, Ashton, Isaac, Elias, Charlie, Brandon, Eva, Ben, Malia, Leyla, Lillian, Cohen and Noah. She is also survived by her siblings, Dorothy, Cecilia, Stephen and Louise; sisters in law Cath, Patricia, Marianne and brother in law, Jim; her uncle Larry; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and life long friends.

Teresa was well known for her great love of family, her caring nature for all those around her, and her unconditional and gentle way of loving. Though nothing surpassed her time with grandchildren and family, she took joy in reading, baking, completing crosswords, and tending her garden. When she wasn’t working away at cataloging family photos, organizing church activities and groups, or knitting clothes for grandchildren, she loved planning adventures. From the ruins of Europe and the beaches of Australia, to riding Icelandic horses and spending time camping with family at Watch Lake Lodge she had a curiosity for new places and a love of spending time with those she loved.

After raising 8 children Teresa returned to school to become an education assistant at Langley Fine Arts where she was patient, resourceful and nurturing towards her students. Her deep faith and devotion to service lead her to be an active member of her St. Matthew’s church community. There she served in the CWL and led the Pro Life group, which was a great passion. Teresa’s love of life and talent for bringing people together continue to inspire all who were blessed to have known her. She remains in our hearts forever.

A heartfelt thank you to the loving care and kindness of the doctors and nurses, first in Kamloops at the Royal Inland Hospital, and then from the palliative home care team and the doctors and nurses at Laurel Place Hospice.

Prayers will be held at St. Matthew’s Parish at 5pm Thursday, Sept 25, 2025. Funeral mass at St. Matthew’s Parish at 11am Friday, September 26, 2025 with reception to follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Hope For Women Domestic Abuse Services - Our Lady of Good Counsel Society