Teresa was born in Dearborn, Michigan to Nicholas and Virginia Schmelzer. She attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School, Roosevelt High School in Dearborn Heights, the University of Detroit and the Center for Creative Studies.

She is the widow of the Anastasios Lousias who preceded her in death in 1985. She is the beloved mother of Michael (Amy Santana) Lousias of Tampa, Florida and Audra (Johann) Vaz of Boone, North Carolina. Teresa was the consummate fun and loved grandmother of Brenna Vaz of Asheville, North Carolina and Derrick Vaz of Columbia, South Carolina. Teresa leaves behind her sister Deborah (Jeff) Bush of Walled Lake while her brother Nick preceded her in death in 1974. She also leaves behind several cousins, including Donna Koller and Betty Anderson. She was a wonderful aunt to Nickolas, Leslie, Eric, Brian, Matthew, Lauren, Antoinette, Christine, Nick, Christy and Jamie. Teresa had numerous friends, all of whom she held dear. Teresa also enjoyed many years later in life with her passed partner, Ken Lefler.

In addition to a 30 year career in banking, Teresa was an international freelance and award-winning photographer. Her love of photography took her around the globe, and she traveled to all 50 states and 23 countries. Throughout her life she shared with others the joy of photography, including Dearborn community school children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and anyone holding a camera.

Her love of photography led her to become engaged with the Dearborn Artists Society and the Dearborn Community Arts Council, where she was a staple and served numerous terms. Teresa was also a member of the City's Council on Disabilities.

Teresa was an active member of the service organization, Civitan, having served in numerous roles. When not volunteering, taking photographs, traveling, enjoying time with friends and family, Teresa could be found at her property near Onaway, Michigan on Rainy Lake where she loved to kayak, spot birds and deer, camp, and commune with nature.

She will be greatly missed and dearly remembered by many.