Teri’s vibrant spirit and innate curiosity defined her from an early age. Born in Richmond, California, on May 25, 1955, she was raised in East San Rafael. She attended 3R Elementary School and Junior High before graduating from San Rafael High School in 1973 and then the University of California, Berkeley in 1977.
Teri’s journey of service and discovery began in 1978 when she joined the Peace Corps and traveled to Ecuador, where she worked to improve the health and well-being of local communities. It was there that she met and married Dr. Cesar Costales in 1982. Together, in 1984, they moved to Madrid, Spain, where Teri embraced life abroad. In 1991, she returned to the United States with her three children, Cesar, Adrian, and Monica; moved to Novato in 1993; and began a new chapter of her life, earning her Master’s degree in Nutrition in 1994.
A deeply compassionate individual, Teri devoted her professional life to empowering families and supporting their health. She worked for the Solano County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program, rising to the role of Senior Manager. She was a gifted bi-lingual nutritionist, lactation consultant, and energy healer whose work embodied her commitment to nurturing and educating others.
Teri’s passions were as diverse as her talents. A skilled musician, she spent 45 years in the Prince Charles and MacIntosh Pipe Bands, playing and teaching others to play the bagpipes, snare drum, tenor drum, and bass drum. Her creativity extended into her home, where she designed a stunning backyard sanctuary filled with raised garden beds, fruit trees, flowers, and sculptures inspired by her travels around the world.
She walked the Camino de Santiago’s Portuguese and French routes and explored countless other destinations on six continents. Each adventure enriched her life and reflected her boundless curiosity.
Teri was a dedicated member of the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa, where she spent over 25 years cultivating a life of meaning and connection. She is survived by her siblings Nyla, Dana, and Diane; her children Cesar, Adrian, and Monica; her stepdaughter Erin; her grandchildren Cesar, Christian, Lucy, and Tessa; her godson Bodie, Carlos, and Angel Alberto; and countless friends who were drawn to her warmth, generosity, and magnetic spirit. She will be remembered for her wisdom, irreverent humor, and the profound joy she found in supporting others.
Teri’s friends and family recall her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, as well as a healer, teacher, and fierce advocate for women and children. Her unwavering loyalty, love of beauty, and zest for life made her an inspiration uplifting all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held in late May 2025 (details to be announced). In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to organizations supporting women, children, and global peace initiatives such as the Peace Corps, the National WIC Association, and Crossing Party Lines—causes about which Teri cared deeply.
Teri leaves a legacy of love, resilience, and joy for all who knew her. She will live on in their hearts and will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
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