MANSFIELD: Like the afternoon drives that she always enjoyed, Teresa Kocher understood that there is beauty in simplicity. From enjoying the beauty of the beach to traveling, she simply enjoyed life, love and God.
Teresa A. Kocher passed away Sunday, June 7, 2015 in her Akron home surrounded by her family and friends. She was 64.
She was born May 23, 1951 to parents James & Antonia (Stellnberger) Elkins in Jenkins, Kentucky. After Teresa was graduated from Mansfield Senior High with the class of 1969, she earned her Nursing degree from Mansfield General Hospital School of Nursing in 1972 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Ashland University and her master’s degree from North Central State College.
Teresa started her career as a nurse working at Mansfield General Hospital, but for the majority of her professional career, Teresa worked as a project management/supply chain specialist in the healthcare industry.
In her spare time, she took pleasure in gardening, reading and home improvement projects. But above all, Teresa cherished animals, especially her black cat of 22 years Ebenezer that went everywhere with her, including California.
She is survived by her mother Antonia Elkins; daughter Kristen (Matt) Jones of Columbus; grandchildren Jackson and Jacob Jones; brothers Randy Elkins, James Elkins of Mansfield and John Elkins of Madison; and fiancé Richard Mack of Medina.
She was preceded in death by her father James Elkins and her brother Roy Elkins.
Her family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2015 in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where a service honoring her life will begin at 7 p.m. John Elkins will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Lexington Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory to ASPCA or Akron Paws may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Teresa’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory, message of condolence or to watch her tribute video at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
