Teresa Rae Pellonpaa

MARQUETTE, MI – Teresa Rae Pellonpaa, age 51, of Marquette, entered eternal life Friday morning, January 26, 2018, at UP Health System-Marquette.

Born April 20, 1966, in Marquette, a daughter of Terrance and Darlene (Hanson) Greenleaf, Teresa was raised in Harvey and graduated from Marquette Senior High School, Class of 1984. While in high school, she was crowned “Miss Chocolay Township” at the annual Chocolay Fest in 1984. Following graduation, she entered the US Marine Corps. Upon her honorable discharge, Teresa returned to Marquette and was employed as a dispatcher for the Michigan State Police Post in Negaunee, a position she had for over ten years. After her tenure at the police post, she met and married Carl Pellonpaa, Jr. They were married for over 20 years when he preceded her in death in 2017.

Teresa had been a resident at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans since December 20, 2017.

In her leisure time, Teresa enjoyed all sorts of craftwork, especially painting, matchstick art, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She was an avid bowler, having belonged to several bowling leagues throughout the years, and known for her high averages. Fishing was another past time she enjoyed, having learned the sport from her father. However, she will be most remembered as a proud grandmother, always interested in the activities of the grandkids.

Teresa is survived by her son, Ryan (fiancee, Angel Anderson) Barry of Republic; grandchildren, Kinzlee Barry and Daemon Niemi; her mother and step-father, Darlene (Thomas) Auld of Gwinn; several half sisters and brothers, James, Robert, Denise, Diane, and Gary; a special cousin, Pam Greenleaf; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Pellonpaa, Jr; her father, Terrance Greenleaf; half brothers, William and Patrick; and her maternal grandparents, Bernice and Wilbur Hanson with whom she was very close with while growing up.

Graveside services, with veterans honors, will be held at Northland Chapel Gardens, Negaunee Township, in the spring and will be announced.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderfuneralhome.com