Terri is survived by her mother, Sandra Cater; beloved husband, Tim Sutovich; sons, Robert Estep & wife Jennifer, Jeremiah Estep; daughters Amber Lee & husband Derrick, Ksandra Morigeau & husband Robbie; siblings, Kimberly Boykin, Randy Marker & wife Sharon; grandchildren, Brooke Hurt, Roni Hurt, Anmarie Morigeau, Jesse Morigeau, Emma Estep, Rory Estep, Jaythan Lee, Lanaya Lee, Grayson Lee and Kyrin Lee; as well as many other family members and a host of friends.
She is preceded in death by her father, and grandson Tristan Estep.
Terri Sutovich devoted more than 30 years to early childhood development, shaping not just classrooms but generations. She was a fierce advocate for children, a steady guide for educators, and a constant presence of love, patience, and kindness wherever she worked. Her impact lives on in the countless young lives she nurtured and the adults they became.
Terri and her husband, Tim, were married in 1995, beginning a partnership defined by loyalty, shared sacrifice, and deep affection. As a U.S. Army family, they moved across the country together, dedicating their energy to raising four children and creating a stable, loving home wherever they were stationed. After his retirement, they turned their attention to adventures just for themselves-cruises, long rides on their Harley, and road trips that became treasured times of conversation, laughter, and shared discovery. Together, they faced life's challenges and joys side by side, their love steady through every season.
At the center of her life was her family. She loved her husband and children profoundly, anchoring them with unwavering devotion. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, a radiant light that fed her soul and brought laughter and meaning to her days. Terri made her relationships with family a priority, not just in words, but in daily action. Friday calls with her daughter were sacred-watching favorite shows together, sharing thoughts and laughter, and creating moments that became their own special tradition. Every Sunday, she connected with her sons, her sister, and her mother. She never missed a week. Those calls were filled with love, humor, and stories-some new, some long-remembered, but always meaningful and heartfelt. She invested in her family with intention, presence, and consistency, setting a standard of care and commitment that few achieve. Her example reminds us that the truest measure of love is showing up, week after week, moment by moment, for those who matter most.
Terri's passion extended to the small, everyday joys as well. She loved bargain shopping, whether wandering aisles on her own, exploring with her daughters, or even with a slightly less enthusiastic husband in tow. Her finds were often random treasures, many of which became part of her home, sparked projects with her grandchildren, or were given as thoughtful gifts to family members. Each was chosen with care, a simple expression of her love and a personal touch that left a lasting mark on those around her.
Her life was defined by adventure, passion, and love-whether in her dedication to children, her devotion to family, or the quiet pleasures and surprises she sought in everyday moments. Terri's warmth, energy, and joy touched everyone who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who were lucky enough to be part of her world.
Condolences(15)
Kassie Weaver
Nacogdoches, TX Friday, February 13, 2026 Tim, I will forever remember the day I never met Terri. She looked to be a beautiful soul, and I know that you were truly blessed to be the love of her life. She will be missed by you and the family, but God had more need of her with Him.Remember, I am always here for you with a good hug, and an encouraging prayer!
Ashley Rae Lake
Shelton, WA Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Dear Aunt Terri,I was going to write this letter to you when I first found out you had cancer. I had prepared myself to sit down and write it the weekend of the week you passed away. I was sad because I didn't get to tell you how much of an impact you were in my life. I made the decision to still write this letter to Uncle Tim so that I could honor your memory. However, time has gone by because my brain is not ready to accept the truth, you are gone. Like Mom and Mike, you are always supposed to be there.
In my letter, I wanted to tell you thank you for giving me a chance and allowing me to work for you. Thank you for being patient with me. I had so many questions and you allowed me to ask them all. The one question that comes to mind is, do you expect me to hold the challenging kid’s hand while I teach the rest of the kids? Your advice and answer to that question will stay with me until I retire from teaching. You simply said yes. A teacher who can hold the hand of a challenging student and still teach the class will always have control of the classroom.
Thank you for teaching me how to remain calm during moments that are scary. I remember becoming scared because a child was twisting in an apron and the strings were wrapping around his neck. After I told him to stop twisting and he didn’t listen, I began to panic. My voice became loud while trying to get him to stop twisting. You came into the class and told me you could hear my voice in the hall. Then you proceeded to help the student stop doing what was eventually going to cause him harm. Later I told you I was sorry that I raised my voice at the child, but I feared he would hurt himself. You taught me that if the child sees a scared caregiver, they will more than likely do something that will hurt themselves.
Thank you for encouraging me. I remember feeling bad for how old I was when I went to complete the test for my driver’s license. You knew I had completed first grade twice and I still felt like I was behind everyone. Somehow, getting my driver’s license at the age of 20 instead of 16 made me think I was a failure. You were the first to tell me that we all learn at our own pace and that my brain was more developed and ready to drive than someone who was 16. You then told me not to feel bad. Not everyone gets their driving license at 16. I remember breathing a sigh of relief when you told me you were 21 when you got your license.
You were my first experience of what was going to become my specialty in my profession. You introduced me to teaching early childhood education, preschool through second grade. You voiced the statement that would become a huge part of my teaching philosophy. At my first Monday meeting, you told us that it was important to learn all the names of the students in the building. It was also important to learn the names of their parents or guardians. (I still try to learn all the names of my students by the end of September. I try to learn all the names of my parents by the end of October.)
You then said, every child that we teach should be treated like they are the apple of their parents' eye. You said children deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. I caught onto how you worded your statement. You didn’t say every child that we teach is, you said they should be treated like they are the apple of their parents’ eye. Not every child is treated like a treasure in their home, but we could and would do just that.
I didn’t know it then, but that day, I heard God through the words you spoke. Every child might not be the apple of their parents' eye, but every person on this earth is a child of God and the apple of His eye. John 3:16-17 states:
16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Learning that I am cherished by God and wanted so much, that he sent His only son to die for my sins so that I could be with Him one day; allowed me to let go of all the pain from my childhood and move onto a healthier path. Your statement has stayed with me for me, it guides my parenting, and it also guides my teaching.
Thank you for giving Steve and I some tools to use for parenting our children. When Steve and I first found out we were pregnant, I was so scared. I was afraid I would treat my child how I was treated. Steve and I didn’t know how to raise a child, it felt like we were still kids ourselves. It was true, I didn’t know how to raise a baby, but I knew children needed routines. I learned that from working for you. Lillian and Mathew’s life had a similar routine from what I learned at the daycare.
The above are some of the first thoughts I had when I found out you are no longer with us. The final thought was, I am not ready to remove you from my resume. I don’t think I ever will be.
Thank you for being my boss, my teacher, and my family. I love you and miss you. There was no one like you and there will never be.
Steve Lake
Shelton, WA Sunday, February 8, 2026 She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I have so many warm memories of her. She was so welcoming and encouraging to so many people. I will always love and miss her. My heart and prayers goes out to her family.Kimberly Boykin
Shelton, WA Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Love you always sweet sister!Troy Houston
Frederick, MD Tuesday, February 3, 2026 We are truly sorry for your loss. Terri was an amazing person. Our thought are with the entire family.Cynthia Morigeau
New Caney, TX Tuesday, February 3, 2026 You will be missed. See you some day love youRick Peterson
NEWLAND, NC Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Terri was such a bright light on this earth. We will miss her always.Randy Marker
Merkel, TX Tuesday, February 3, 2026 All my deepest heartfelt condolences to Tim and all of Terri’s family. Terri was too young to have been taken so quickly and I know she will be terribly missed.I know that we have not been that close over the last few years but Terri was always my best friend growing up, and we had lots of great times together.
Hug your families and let them know you love them. You never know if you’ll get another chance!
Miss you already.
Jenn Estep
Pearland, TX Tuesday, February 3, 2026 I gained more than a mother-in-law when I met you—I gained a second mother. Thank you for the love, wisdom, and kindness you gave so freely. I miss you more than words can say.Wanda Walker
Livingston, TX Tuesday, February 3, 2026 You will be missed by many my friend and I cherish the memories we had at Head Start! We will see each other again my friend.Patty and Michael Chamberlain
Shelton, WA Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Terri was beautiful inside and out with a smile that lit up the room. She had a great sense of humor and was always fun to be with. We have wonderful memories of her and we will miss Terri and her smile immensely.Amber Lee
Fort Bragg, NC Monday, February 2, 2026 Mom,My heart is broken. I love and miss you so much. Bye for now.
Robert Estep
Pearland, TX Monday, February 2, 2026 Know that my love existed before you,long before you ever drew a breath,
and it will endure long after I am gone—
a river of care that knows no beginning and no end.
When you laugh, when your heart swells with joy,
when you choose mercy, kindness, courage, love—
I am there, rising in it,
ever present, unlimited, unending.
I loved you as fully as I could while I was with you,
but my love was carried in a body,
bounded by days and nights,
by hands and words, by moments that would always end.
Now-- there are no limits.
I move through the world freely,
in sunlight, in rain, in wind, in every pulse of life,
as constant as God’s own love,
as near to you as your breath,
as enduring as your heartbeat.
I have not left.
I am closer than ever.
Feel me in the world around you,
in the love you give and the love you receive,
in the moments you cannot see but can feel.
I am here.
I am always here.
Ksandra K Morigeau
New Caney, TX Monday, February 2, 2026 I love you mom. I will miss the conversations. I will miss your laugh. I will miss you.Bye for now.
Tim
Livingston, TX Monday, February 2, 2026 The love of my life, until we meet again......