Teresa Robertson Thielen, previously known as Teresa Hammett, passed away on February 8, 2018 in Simpsonville, SC, after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Teresa was born on August 10, 1964, in Greenville, SC. She spent her earliest years on a farm with chickens, goats, and pigs (which would forever be her favorite animal). Always athletic, she roller-skated, did gymnastics, played basketball -- and, refusing to be relegated to a “girls sport” -- joined the guys baseball team.

After attending Eastside High and North Greenville College, she began working for a mortgage company. She’d go on to enjoy a long career as a loan officer, eventually at TD and BB&T banks.

In her 20s, she got married and gave birth to two spirited sons. They kept her busy for many years: shuttling them to baseball games, sewing their Halloween costumes, and preventing them from blowing up the neighborhood with fireworks. Endlessly patient, she often looked back on that time with a laugh and a shake of her head.

Six years ago, an adorable granddaughter lit up her world. “Oma” and “Bug” had an indescribable bond, and spent many hours together crafting, baking, and having giggle-filled sleepovers on the couch. Recently, she was delighted to learn she had a second grandchild on the way.

Another special moment came in July 2017, when she married her boyfriend of nearly two decades. After a private ceremony in Greer, SC, they honeymooned in Savannah and Tybee Island, GA -- a trip she remembered fondly during the last months of her life.

Teresa enjoyed watching movies, hunting for bargains at flea markets and yard sales, and traveling around the region to attend rock concerts. She was strong, practical, independent, passionate, and quick to smile. Ever positive, and with a sharp and unfailing sense of humor, she referred to her chemo days as “spa treatments” -- since she received a warm blanket and was waited on hand-and-foot. She will be remembered for her ability to make you feel better with a simple “sweetie” and a hug, for being a wonderful Oma, and for being a loving mother to all who knew her.

She’s survived by her husband, Michael Thielen of Duncan, SC; her son Tyler Hammett and his girlfriend Susan Shain of Columbia, SC; her son and daughter-in-law Cody and Merri Hammett, granddaughter Lilly Hammett, and soon-to-come grandson of Greer, SC; her sister Marilyn Shockley of Seneca, SC; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, colleagues, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that in-memoriam donations be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (ocrfa.org). There will be no services, but the family invites anyone who’d like to celebrate her life to stop by 13 Stripes Brewery in Taylors, SC, between 2 and 5 pm on Sunday, February 18.