Teresa Jean Root

ROOT, Teresa Jean - Age 63, of Grand Blanc, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023. A Memorial Mass will be Celebrated 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 600 N. Adelaide Street, Fenton. Fr. Robert Copeland, Celebrant. Visitation 10:00 AM until the time of Mass Wednesday at Church. Memorial contributions in Teresa's memory may be made to The Humane Society of Genesee County.

Teresa was born June 20, 1960 in Durand, the daughter of Nelson George and Marjorie Fern (Sullivan) Root. She graduated from Durand High School in 1978. She had been employed with the Flint Fire Department since 1985, first as a Paramedic then later as a Paramedic/ Fire Fighter in 1987. Theresa was one of the first female Fire Fighters for the City of Flint. In 1989, Teresa also became a Paramedic Instructor and Trainer. She was elevated to the rank of Battalion Chief in 2002. Teresa also helped train many Fire Fighters/ Paramedics in the rural areas surrounding Flint for many years. Teresa retired in 2011. She also volunteered with the Humane Society in Flint and was awarded the National Path Finders Association Award for Extraordinary Volunteerism.Teresa enjoyed running, aerobic dancing, yoga and her dogs. Teresa also often rescued dogs from fire scenes and cared for them. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Teresa is survived by her siblings, Marjorie (Robert) Beckers, Karen (Greg) McClure, Charlene Van Eeckhoutte, Timothy (Laurie) Root, Thomas ( Eileen) Root, Robert Root, Mark Root, Nelson (Carol) Root; many nieces and nephews; dear friend, Gail Geiger.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Sharon Smothers. Online tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.