Teresa “Teri” Makutenas
Teresa (Teri) Makutenas, beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, passed away on April 28, 2025. She was 67.
Teri is the daughter of Helen and older sister to Michael (Pam) Makutenas and Lorie (Jim) Pilster.
Teri had fond childhood memories of her weekends at Fox Lake with her grandparents, where she enjoyed boating, camping, water sports, and swimming. Her love of the water followed her throughout her life.
Teri raised three children, John (Joan) Nikischer, Mary (Timothy) Kress, and Ralph (Kara) Nikischer and was known for her years of volunteer work at their school before finally becoming the full-time bookkeeper for over 25 years. She was a wonderful and loving Nana to her five grandchildren, Ben (16), Maggie (15), Adam (8), Freya (5), and Violet (3), whom she referred to as her “reward” for parenting.
Teri also enjoyed traveling, always looking forward to her annual visits to Marco Island and hiking adventures with her sister. She cherished the time spent with her family and friends. Teri was proud of her loud, loving family, and hers is a voice that will truly be missed.
Teri is preceded in death by her father, Charles “Butch” Makutenas, her stepfather, George, and grandparents John Coyle, Helen Coyle, John Makutenas, and Eleanor “Sue” Makutenas (nee Boettcher).
Teri endured much during her life, including having battled both breast and pancreatic cancer, but her strength and courage will forever be an inspiration to all who knew her.
Visitation will be at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside, on Tuesday, May 6th from 3:00 to 8:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to PanCan made in her honor would be appreciated.
My condolences to the family, I worked with her for a short time at pleasentdale and she was always very nice person and great to work with.
May god bless her and her family
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Teri for many years at Pleasantdale. She was always ready to help with a friendly smile.
I enjoyed working with her for years at the Pleasentdale. She always had the answer when a question was raised, and she will be missed. Rest in peace!
She was a beautiful spirit, Rest in Paradise Teri.
Teri was an outstanding person and a devoted mother. She was Loved by all and will be missed. We were close back in 80’s,90’s and as life takes us in our own directions I went far south to Florida. Teri you put up a heck of a fight kid and go with God speed girl. Love Dave (willie) Wilkinson
Teri was one of the sweetest human beings I had the pleasure of knowing since early childhood. I have so many memories of Teri, Mike and Lorie growing up with Beth, Pam and Candy. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Daughter and Sister. My heart is with all of you. Move over, there’s a beautiful Angel joining our Lord in heaven.
I love you, Ter.
My condolences to Ralph, Mary and John. Your mom was a lovely person and both a wonderful Pleasantdale parent and co-worker. I will always remember her smile and her can-do spirit. And she has terrific kids, too! It was delight teaching each of you at Pdale. Sorry I can’t be with you tomorrow, but please know I share your sorrow and send thoughts of comfort and warm memories.
My deepest condolences to the family. May God’s comfort and peace be with you! Teri was a great person to work with and also a great friend. She will be deeply missed!
I had the privilege of working with Teri on a daily basis at Pleasantdale for 13 years. She emanated happiness and good will to all. Moreover, Teri was always thinking about meeting the needs of others. I don’t think she had a selfish bone in her body. She will be greatly missed by many. Teri made the world a better place. Mark Fredisdorf
Mike and I are very sorry to hear of Teri’s passing. We have a lot of fond memories of the whole family. Unfortunately, since moving out of the old neighborhood, we lost touch. Our hearts go out to the entire family.
So sad, from your previous President.
Wally