Terri Lynn Saubert, 57

Terri Lynn Saubert passed away on Jan. 7, 2017, under hospice care at her home in Austin, Texas.

Terri was born in Abilene, Texas, on Dec. 1, 1959, to Walter and Barbara Roach. Her Texan lineage was ever a source of pride and a stoic, raw strength that was imbued in her.

The family moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area where Terri graduated from Keller High School, a member of the marching band and a number of Christian youth groups. Her father’s employment with Continental Airlines resulted in a move to Denver. Terri met and married her husband Mark in Denver, where lifelong memories of their first years together were made.

Mark’s work took them to Tucson, Dallas/Fort Worth, and then to Austin, Texas. Terri was employed in various positions in the insurance business through these moves and later with the State of Texas.

In 2005 Terri and Mark moved to Kalispell to be closer to Mark’s family. Terri became a tireless caregiver to Mark’s mother during this time. Terri loved Montana’s beauty and the family and friends who were so close and made life so good. But in 2015 it was time to return home to Texas.

Terri’s passions were not to be fulfilled in a professional career. Her creative pursuits were where she thrived, making life better for all of us, and always seeking to learn more. Her dinner parties became never forgotten cherished memories. She was the de-facto family social director, a delight to all her family and friends. Although Mark and Terri did not have children of their own, their many nephews and nieces made them feel as if they were surrogate parents, a constant source of joy and pride for her.

Five years ago began a series of health issues, the treatments for which would have crushed most people. Terri refused to allow life’s circumstances to turn hers into a dirge of struggles. She never stopped being a refuge of unconditional love. Her courage, strength and unwavering faith are a source of inspiration to all who witnessed her journey. This is her legacy — Love, faith, courage and strength.

Terri is survived by her husband, Mark; her mother, Barbara Roach, of Austin; her sister, Julie Roach, and partner Carol Martz, of St. Petersburg, Florida; her brother, Scott Roach, of Austin; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Marilyn Saubert, of Kalispell; nephews, Bret Saubert and wife Jacqueline of Clovis, New Mexico, and Chris Saubert and wife Jade of Kalispell; her aunt, Mary, and husband Bill Welch, of Euless, Texas; her uncle, Robert House, and wife Karen, of Grapevine, Texas; and many cousins and extended family.

At the end her family and friends came to her, lifting her up with love and support, which her husband will never forget and will be eternally grateful.

Terri asked that her services be conducted at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Kalispell in the spring.

For those wishing to make a donation in Terri’s name: University of Colorado Foundation, Department of Ophthalmology, 13001 E. 17th Place, Aurora, Colorado 80045.

Hers was the charm of a little girl, the elegance of a woman, the truth of being one’s own person, and the warmth of uninhibited love.

“Even in our sleep, pain which we cannot forget falls drop by drop upon our heart until, in our own despair, against our will comes wisdom through the grace of God.”