Teresa Dunlap, 78

Teresa Dunlap was born on Oct. 7, 1948, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Eileen (Shay) and Kenneth Hutchinson. As a child, she loved to spend summers on her grandparents' farm with her two older brothers and cousins. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. She attended Marycrest College for one year before marrying her high school sweetheart, Pat Pickens. Their first child, a daughter, Leslie, was born while Pat was in the Army. After his discharge, Tere and Pat moved to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa. When their son, Christopher, was 2 weeks old, they packed up the car and drove to Pocatello, Idaho. Mom then earned her degree in education from Idaho State University. They next moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where Mom taught special education and was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church. Tere wanted her kids to experience the world as much as possible, and was excited when she was able to take Leslie and Chris to see nine countries in Europe. Education was very important to her, and later in life she belonged to PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) International.

Mom couldn't wait to be a grandmother, and she started collecting Disney VHS movies for years before her first grandchild, Caitlin, was born. She immediately retired early so she could help take care of Caitlin. Her grandsons, Scott and Thomas, soon followed. She relished her role as Nana. She was an expert knitter, and she finally had her own grandbabies to knit outfits for! She lived for her grandkids and went to many wrestling meets, baseball and soccer games, birthday parties, and any other event where she could cheer them on.

Tere passed away suddenly at the home she shared with her daughter's family on Nov. 6, 2026. She is survived by her former husband, Pat Pickens (Kathy Montgomery); daughter Leslie Shimabukuro (Ian Shimabukuro); son Chris Pickens (Sara Midgley Pickens); grandchildren Caitlin, Scott, and Tommy; brother Steve Hutchinson (Rose); nephew Thad Hutchinson (Alisa); and many cousins. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Abby. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Will Hutchinson (Doug).

Tere enjoyed watching sports, and you could find her most days doing crossword puzzles or her Bible study in front of a Gonzaga Basketball or Notre Dame Football game, with Abby on her lap. Our mom was generous, funny, and the kindest person you could ever meet. She loved her family and we loved her back. We miss her more than words can say.

A celebration of her life will be held at Hennessy Valley Funeral Home in Spokane, Wash., on Nov. 28, 2026, at 11 a.m.

A gathering with the family in Iowa will occur at a later date. www.hennesseyfh.com.

    Dunlap