Teresa Lynn Thompson Beischel

Teresa Lynn Thompson-Beischel was born in Columbus, OH and died in Charleston, SC, January 23, 2014. She was the mother of Grace Glynn Beischel and Helen Blithe Beischel. She was the daughter of Marcia Ann Thompson and the late Norman David Thompson. She was the sister of Laura Thompson, Tim Thompson and Jennifer (Bryan) Fletcher. She was the wife of Charles Beischel.

After her childhood in Columbus, Teresa lived her teenage years in Rhinebeck, NY where she was an all-star field hockey player. Immediately after graduating from high school, she headed south, stopped in Charleston and created her adult life. With a firm grasp on her bootstraps, she sold corn dogs, arranged flowers, fabricated dentures and made lifelong friends. She found her way to the Trident Technical College ophthalmic technician program and completed her Associate Degree. Thus began an exemplary 20 year career at the Storm Eye Institute as an expert in ophthalmic photography, ultrasonography and fluorescein angiography. During her career, she put herself through a Bachelor Degree in Health Sciences at MUSC at night.

One by one, the Thompson women found their way to Charleston to be near their rock, Teresa. Chuck noticed her beautiful smile one day at Storm Eye and spent a couple of years convincing her to marry him. After a grand wedding party, they enjoyed 21 years of marriage during which Teresa tolerated his rudimentary social, parenting and spousal skills with grace, humor and gentle instruction.

The real joy of her adult life was being mom to Grace and Helen. Thank goodness they dove off the board through the hole in the clouds to land in her tummy - and that Helen let Grace go first. Teresa devoted her efforts to raising her daughters well and supporting their schools and their swim teams. Aunt Teresa was particularly devoted to her local nieces, Jessie and Maddie Fletcher.

Along the way, Teresa collected an amazing group of friends. She cherished her friendships with her New York, flyboy, work, school mom, swim team mom, Beischel and neighborhood friends. Especially dear to her were her ')%*/ Sisters' - Becky, Mimi, Susan, Christine, Jackie, Yvonne and Connie. Teresa demonstrated that being a good friend is the best way to have good friends.

Bring a smile, share a story, leave a photo, wear teal or just "turn up" when the family receives friends Monday, January 27, 2014 in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Pkway from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Memorial services and entombment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Parkshore Piranhas Swim Team, PO Box 31073, Charleston, SC 29407.