Theresa Boyle Gacek

On Friday, Oct. 3rd, we lost our sister, our friend, our confidant—and a piece of our hearts— when Theresa Boyle Gacek left this life.

Teri, as she was called by some, joined family that went before, including her parents, Jack and Bea Boyle; five siblings: Morris (Sally) Boyle, Grace (Ray) Matela, John (Marge) Boyle, Sharron (Neil) Simpson, and Patrick Boyle; and nephews and niece: Tom Matela, Michael Boyle, and Caitlin Boyle.

Theresa, the 8th of 13 children– 4th of 5 daughters –leaves seven grieving siblings behind: Jean (Gary) McDonough, Bernie (Kathy) Boyle, Don (Chris) Boyle, Steve (Marie) Boyle, Tim Boyle, Suzie (Doug) Heynig, Neal (Connie) Boyle, as well as many, many nephews and nieces—all the way to great-great ones. She is, and always will be, their special Aunt Theresa.

Theresa fought cancer with the same resolve and spirit she led her life; she refused to allow it to define her. She was brave, fierce, and defiant in her commitment to enjoy life in whatever form it came.

What a life she had! Theresa advanced her career from a secretary to vice president at J. Walter Thompson in Chicago. She then left JWT to create and run her own independent market research firm—first in Chicago and later in Scottsdale, AZ. Theresa enjoyed many years as a successful businessperson. After retirement, she stayed engaged in community life as an active member and President of her local Troon HOA in Scottsdale.

In between all the work and into retirement, Theresa enjoyed traveling. She saw the world, from Europe to Asia to Australia to Africa, and many, many places in between.

When at home, whether in Chicago, Arizona, or Beaver Island, Teri welcomed family and friends. She was known for her fun, casual gatherings - everyone was warmly received on the deck of Harbor House or Islewood.

Theresa chose to spend her final days overlooking Paradise Bay from her deck, surrounded by loved ones. Until the end, she welcomed family and friends for a visit and a chat or to watch a Hallmark movie.

As so many of you know, it is so hard to lose a sibling and a lifelong friend. She was one of the flowers in the big Boyle family garden. Now she is blooming again, with great color and vibrance, in her renewed life among family. Always loved. Forever missed.

Theresa Irene Boyle Gacek

Chicago, March 10, 1948, to Beaver Island, October 3, 2025

Donations in Memory of Theresa (Teri) can be made to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at https://pancan.org/ or Build a Cure for Brain Cancer at https://www.bacresearch.org/ or P.O. Box 242, Beaver Island, MI 49782

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.