Celebrating the Life of Teresa Ann Swopes

MADISON - Teresa Ann Swopes, 68, transitioned from her earthly home to eternity on Sunday, September 6, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by faith, devotion to family and memories that remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She passed away peacefully at Nazareth Health and Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton, Wis.

Teresa was born in Sandusky, Ohio on April 14, 1958, to the late Robert and Ida B. (Randolph) Swopes. Hers was a life incredibly full, measured by her deep commitment to God and to all who knew and loved her. Teresa accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at the youthful age of 10 and she lived a life that clearly exemplified her Christian faith in her daily walk. She completed her early education at Sandusky Public Schools and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting at The University of Akron in Ohio. Teresa’s career included various occupations in her chosen field, finally as a closing accountant at First Weber Group Realtors in Madison, Wis. In 2008, Teresa made the difficult decision to step away from her career and retire early due to medical reasons.

A Woman of Faith - Teresa was a devout student of the Bible, an essential part of her being. She found strength, wisdom and comfort within its pages and carried that faith with her daily. A prolific reader, Teresa thought nothing of reading her Bible cover-to-cover multiple times throughout her lifetime.

Teresa held a particularly tender place in her heart for her many nieces and nephews whose birthdays marked a significant moment in time for the beloved Auntie. Without fail, Teresa remembered her loved ones on their special day; she prayed for them and reached out with an encouraging call, year after year. Those calls became part of the fabric of the Swopes family legacy and meant more than she ever knew.

The Things Teresa Loved - Teresa loved music, often finding solace in treasured anthems such as “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” by LeAnn Rimes. Reflecting on her own “tomorrow,” Teresa instructed that the lyrics to the deeply meaningful song be appended to her obituary; it is reflected here.

Teresa was a diehard sports fan who wholeheartedly embraced Wisconsin sports. She was especially devoted to her Green Bay Packers and was known to send up a cheer for the Badgers as well. When it came to Wisconsin sports, Teresa was all-in! Win or lose, her loyalty remained true.

Teresa’s mastery of everything related to crossword puzzles was perhaps the most impressive of her many gifts and talents. Even without the aid of modern technology, Teresa was known to create complex crossword puzzles that astounded her family and friends. She loved the challenge of solving puzzles and amassed a sizable collection of puzzle-related books, concordances and essential readings related to puzzles and the like.

Teresa was one who embraced traditions and especially held onto the sweet memories of her childhood, including her cherished baby doll collection that stayed with her throughout her lifetime. That passion was part of the Teresa her family will remember-the woman of faith who loved her Bible, her dolls and her crossword puzzles. Importantly, she was the sister and auntie who loved her family, the encouraging voice on the telephone and the exuberant sports fan who proudly cheered on her favorite team on any given weekend.

Teresa’s parents preceded her in death along with siblings who died in infancy: sister, Willie Bob; and brothers, Robert Earl and James Earl; additionally, she was pre-deceased by siblings, Bettie Jean Anderson and her husband, William Anderson, Barbara Jean Johnson and her husband, Roudolph “Rudy” Johnson, and her sister, Laura “Lois” Starver.

Teresa is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Geneva Parker and Diane (Tony) Matthews, of Sandusky, Ohio, and Mary “Rose” Irby of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and her brother, Duwayne Swopes of Lorain, Ohio. She also leaves to celebrate her memory, her treasured friend, Patricia Knuth of Sun Prairie, Wis.; her lifelong friend, Peter J. Brown of Bellevue, Neb.; a dear aunt, Helen Randolph of Columbus, Miss.; and many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Life Remembered - In keeping with Teresa’s wishes, rather than gathering to honor her legacy in a traditional manner, family and friends are invited to celebrate her journey, each in their own way-remember a conversation, smile at a favorite story, reflect on the words of songs like “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” whisper a prayer or simply sit quietly with a treasured reflection of time spent with Teresa.

There is something beautiful in knowing that a life does not end when one’s final breath is taken. It continues in the people who were loved, in lessons shared, in prayers spoken and in memories too precious to fade. Lastly, Teresa says, “It continues in the words of LeAnn Rimes, so aptly recited here …”

“I Know who Holds Tomorrow”

I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day.

And I don't borrow from the sunshine

'Cause the skies might turn to gray.

And I don't worry about the future,

'Cause I know what Jesus said,

And today I'm gonna walk right beside him

'Cause He's the one who knows what is ahead.

There are things about tomorrow

That I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

And each step is getting brighter

As the golden stairs I climb.

And every burden is getting lighter

And all the clouds, they're silver lined.

And, I'll bet the sun it's always shining

There no tears will ever dim the eye

And the ending of the rainbow

Where the mountains, they touch the sky.

There are many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

Teresa A. Swopes

April 14, 1958 - September 06, 2026

Share photos of Teresa