Teresa Shearer Bribiesca

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Teresa (Terri) Shearer Bribiesca. The Lord called her home on March 25.

Her last days, despite being emotional and demanding for all who loved her, were filled with singing, stories and comfort from loved ones near and far. Though unable to speak, Terri acknowledged this caring attention with her lovely blue eyes and by softly squeezing your hand, a reassuring touch we now miss.

Terri was born April 7, 1949, in Santa Monica, California, to Dr. Sherl and Catherine Shearer. The oldest of five daughters, Terri embraced the role of elder and nurturing sibling throughout her life. This innate sense of responsibility, caring and selflessness naturally led her into a career as a nurse.

She attended Santa Clara University and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Nursing. While there she met and dated Sergio Bribiesca. They married on October 15, 1977.

After living and working in Mexico, California and Iowa, Terri and Sergio moved the family to Austin, Texas, in 1984 and settled into their new (and current) home on San Juan Pass. Terri continued her nursing career with various groups, including St. David’s Rehab Center, South Austin Hospital, Stonebridge Nursing Center and Seton Clinics.

Her skills as a nurse were complemented by her excellent knowledge of Spanish, her love of nature and the outdoors, and, most importantly, her Christian faith. She was an active 27-year member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin and joyfully expressed her beliefs with singing in the church choir. She also volunteered with the Comfort Dog Ministry, where she continued using her nursing skills to provide care and help those suffering.

Terri was an adventurer at heart, always seeking out new experiences and challenges. She traveled to many countries for both leisure and to serve as well. Her servant heart carried her through many volunteering opportunities in her children’s schools, church and community. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, niece, friend … and never stopped being a nurse.

Terri is survived by Sergio, her husband of 45 years; son Michael Bribiesca and wife Roxy; daughter Erika Brown and husband Eric; daughter Alicia Lemon and husband Steven; six grandchildren who affectionately called her Gram-T: Zeni and Romi Bribiesca, Molly and Madelynn Brown, and Parker and Conner Lemon; sister Nancy Sterrett, sister Susan Bischoff and husband Bill, sister Peggy Rose and husband Nick, sister Julie Senaldi and husband John, and sister-in-law Aileen Bonet; 11 nephews and nieces; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by parents Catherine and Sherl Shearer, and infant brother Michael.

Her kind nature and infectious laughter will be deeply missed but her curiosity and confidence will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her memory will live on in our hearts, and her legacy of compassion, adventure, volunteering and love will continue to inspire us all.

The family wishes to thank all friends and family who have been supportive and present in their lives, both in these last few weeks and since such bonds were created. The family would also like to thank the staff members of St. David’s South Austin Hospital for their kindness, patience and attention during Terri’s final days. The loss of such a lovely soul is devastating, and nursing staff in her last week provided the support to carry on.

Terri’s spirit will thrive in us and continue to work its magic and compassion. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 29, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 West Slaughter Lane, Austin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Lutheran Charities K9 Comfort Dog Ministry, Compassion International, The Kellermann Foundation and St. Jude’s Hospital.