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Terri “Tippy” Michelle Douglas
1971–2021
Our beautiful daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, and friend Terri left this world on December 28, 2021. While grateful we got to say goodbye, we are devastated by our loss, though comforted in knowing that she has joined her recently deceased father, Wayne Busse, and her Lord, for eternity in a better place.
Her devoted husband, Rodney Douglas, held her hand as she ended her painful struggle with cancer. Her faith and trust in God gave her a grace that was evident throughout her illness. Always smiling, she never looked as ill as she was, and she never stopped thinking of others.
Passionate about bringing ‘life to learning’ for children, Terri achieved a Master’s Degree in Education and was celebrated as a caring and inspirational teacher. She was always intense, even as a child, and had high expectations for herself. She didn’t want to go to First Grade because she “didn’t know how to read or do math”.
Terri loved being a mom. Her deep and unwavering love for her family will always be remembered and cherished. No one hosted better family dinners than Terri. She will be deeply missed by her husband Rod, and her children, Chanelle Robson (Brandon), Landon Harder (Kimberly), Lauren Lumari, and Chloe Douglas. Terri’s four grandchildren were the joy of her life.
Also mourning her loss are Terri’s mother, Beverley Busse, brother Mark Busse (Andrea), and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. Learning to live without her will be a challenge, but we rejoice in knowing that Terri is now free of pain and all earthly struggles.
We shall never forget the bright light that Terri was. Rest In Peace.
Terri will be laid to rest alongside her beloved father and grandmother at Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Surrey on Saturday, January 8th at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, donations in Terri’s name may be made in support of cancer research or children’s education. Terri’s family sends warm thanks to all family, friends, and community members for the kindness and support they’ve received during this difficult time.

6 Comments

  • susan chan
    Posted January 28, 2022 at 9:04 pm

    we were not the closest friends in high school, but your face is one I will never forget. it was also great to have worked with your brother. he will take good care of your family.

  • Dr San Bhatha
    Posted January 30, 2022 at 2:16 pm

    I will always remember Terri’s beautiful smile and her gentleness back in high school. Very happy to hear she was surrounded by her family when she passed but still very sad to hear her passing at age 50. Another reminder to hug our loved ones and remember what is really important in this world we live in.
    Dr San Bhatha McRoberts Grad and McNair Grad 89

  • Dr San Bhatha
    Posted January 30, 2022 at 2:17 pm

    I will always remember Terri’s beautiful smile and her gentleness back in high school. Very happy to hear she was surrounded by her family when she passed but still very sad to hear her passing at age 50. Another reminder to hug our loved ones and remember what is really important in this world we live in.
    Dr San Bhatha McRoberts Grad and McNair Grad 89

  • Mark Busse
    Posted January 30, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    Oh Terri. My little sister. Our little “Tippy”.

    How can today already be a month since you took your last breath?

    Just typing that chokes me up. How can that be true? Why did you leave to soon? How can all of this be happening to our family? It feels so unfair. I would gladly trade places with you. You had so much left to give.

    But here we are, left to go on without you, and yet with you here by our side every day.

    People keep asking me how I am doing, a question I find challenging to answer right now. I tell them I am OK, although if I am being honest I share that I am struggling a little to regain focus on what now seem like such banal aspects of “normal life”. But I’m told that’s to be expected.

    I know we weren’t as close as either of us wanted for much of our lives. And that’s OK I think, right? Our lives brought us back together in meaningful ways and I cherish the love and closeness we shared in recent years.

    We both suffered so much loss and mourning lately, and I miss having you to travel through this with. A friend recently said something that made me think of a conversation you and I had recently about how we would help each other “power through” the pain and grief of Dad’s death, which happened so soon after Cory’s. She said the trick isn’t to push *through* the pain and grief, but learn to live *with* it, allowing it to wrap around you and letting it catalyze more kindness, empathy, and help you prioritize choices that bring more happiness and resilience.

    So I’m trying to do that. I’m mostly failing so far, but I’ll keep trying.

    I’ll tell ya though, one thing this horrible year has taught me is how to tap into more empathy for those who’ve experienced loss and grief. It also revealed how inept and inadequate my responses and support for those experiencing the death of loved ones has been in the past.

    I think I am also learning more about gratitude for this precious life. And if I end up with a softer heart through all this—you would’ve said “less of an asshole”—well, that would be good too. 😉

    Don’t worry about Mom. She is doing great. She misses you and Dad like crazy, but she’s making new friends, is engaged with her community, getting physically stronger, eating and sleeping well, and she’s safe in her new home. And although Rod and the kids are heartbroken, they are strong and will thrive—in large part because of your influence on them.

    BTW, thank you for leaving me such a wonderful extended family. What a legacy!

    Speaking of which, we’re all gathering virtually tomorrow at 1pm to celebrate your life. I’m not sure if you can join Zoom from where you are, but I’d sure love you to be there to hear what others have to say about you. I know you hate being the centre of attention, but we have a few awesome surprises to share that I am convinced you would appreciate. There will even be some singing!

    Oh, and here are some words we wrote about you. I hope you approve. https://www.korucremation.com/services/terri-tippy-michelle-dougla.

    I miss you Tippy. I can’t wait to see you again.
    XOXO

  • Kyle Liu
    Posted January 30, 2022 at 8:35 pm

    Terri, you left us far too soon.

    I know we didnt stay in touch in the last several years, but from what I know and remember of you, and what I heard at your service, you have so much to be proud of.

    I have nothing but fond memories of you Terri, from when we all hung out and grew up together as kids to when I lived with the family during our young adulthood.

    It was probably at that time I really thought of you as my sister and felt I would have protected you at any cost.

    It’s too difficult to say goodbye to you Terri. So I won’t. I’m just going to say see you later. We’ll catch up face to face when that time comes.

    By the way, You have a beautiful, loving family.
    Anyone can see that. Dare I say they are your greatest accomplishment?

    Terri, the good Lord was kind enough to guide and bring me to the Busse family. I am both grateful and honored to have been a part of your life. My fond memories of you will be in my thoughts.

    Your loving brother,
    Kyle

  • Beverley Busse
    Posted February 2, 2022 at 3:34 pm

    My darling girl. You and your brother are the most precious, precious creations that
    God allowed your dad and I to be entrusted with. I will always be grateful for your 50 years of life here, and although I don’t understand why you couldn’t stay longer, I know that God knows. And I trust Him.

    I am so proud of the woman you were, and it made me so very happy to see the joy and love you found with Rod and your family. You know that love never dies. I promise you I will do the best I can to take care of Rod and your brother.

    I will always love you – and I will miss you. You remain a bright light that cannot be extinguished. You shine on in our memories – those of us who loved you, and all the people who were inspired and transformed by that light.

    Bye for now,
    Mom

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