Teresa Lentz "Terri" Gouveia

Teresa (Lentz) Gouveia, 63, beloved mother, sister, aunt, friend, and conservationist passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Methodist Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Terri was known for her warm smile, gentle spirit, big heart, and that wild sparkle in her eye. Her adventurous spirit took her around the world, spreading beauty and laughter wherever she went.
Teresa Lynn Lentz was born on October 9, 1959, in Mitchell, South Dakota to Al and Jan (Biever) Lentz, and graduated from Huron High School in 1977. After earning a degree from the University of Minnesota at Waseca in floriculture and greenhouse management, she began a unique and impactful career that spanned the globe. From a position at Central Wisconsin Foliage, she moved to Busch's in Jefferson City, MO, and then a greenhouse in Lincoln, NE. she took an educator position in North Omaha through the CITA program, which led to teaching at Boys Town of Nebraska, where she made a lasting impact over the course of nine years. During that time, she started a flower shop, providing valuable opportunities for the boys and instilling in them a love of floriculture; Yet her contagious enthusiasm for plants was only blossoming.
Starting in 1990, Terri began her 33-year tenure at the Henry Doorly Zoo, where she served as the Curator of Horticulture. She and her dedicated team designed, creating and maintained the captivating exhibits that have brought-and continue to bring-the natural world closer to many zoo visitors every day. Armed with a powerhouse of knowledge and a commitment to conserving native ecosystems, Terri's horticulture team pioneered a more deliberate and impactful vision of what a zoo could be. Terri and her team contributed to the boom years of the zoo, finding, and placing plants for the Rainforest and Lied Jungle (1992), Garden of the Senses (1997), Dr. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari (1998), Desert Dome (2002), Gorilla Complex (2004), and Madagascar Exhibit (2008). By showcasing animals in their native flora, these exhibits provide important, immersive experiences that connect visitors to the planet on a personal level. Terri wanted visitors to lose themselves in the magic of nature's diversity and understand that enormous swats of it are being destroyed every day. Her creative vision and dedication to conservation have left an indelible mark on the Henry Doorly Zoo and have helped to foster a deeper connection with the planet for countless visitors.
Terri embodied a deep appreciation of all cultures. Her dedication to authenticity and accuracy led her to collaborate closely with the locals when researching and developing exhibits. One notable collaboration was with Black Elk's two sisters during the development of the Conservation Park, to ensure that the colors and representations were accurate, to respect and honor the cultural nuances. Terri's devotion to conservation extended beyond borders, leading to five trips to Madagascar between 2000 and 2015, where she contributed to tree-planting efforts to protect forestry initiatives, and helped protect native ferns and Malagasy orchids. Her love for orchids was well-known, driving her work helping protect the Midwest's endangered western prairie fringed orchid (platanthera plaeclara). Among other things, she was a stained-glass artist, an avid blues supporter, and a card-carrying member of the Omaha Blues Society. Terri's lust for life and strength of conviction continue to touch hearts, while she was always humbly insisted that she was "just a gardener."
Teresa is survived by her daughter, "Cattleya" Eva (Tom) Gouveia of Omaha, NE. She is also survived by her mother, Jan Lentz of Huron; sisters Patricia (Rick) Woolridge of Pierre, and Jeanne (Mike) Lentz of Sioux Falls; aunts and uncles Wayne and Darlene Biever of Pine City, MN, Larry and Helen Biever of Fredericksburg, VA, Kathleen Biever of Iroquois, SD, and Alice and David Ellis of Houston, TX, along with many nieces and nephews. Terri was preceded by her father, Al in 2009, sister Kim Soderberg in 1994, grandparents Ed and Gertrude Lentz, Vina and Lewis Biever, and her favorite uncle, Gene Lentz.
Though we find solace and inspiration in the outside legacy of love, kindness, and compassion that she leaves behind, Terri will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Family and friends are invited to join in commemorating her life, sharing memories and stories with a prayer service from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Welter Funeral Home in Huron, South Dakota.
A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 8, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron, at 10:30 a.m., and she will be laid to rest in St. Martin Cemetery alongside her father and sister.