Theresa Marie Palmgren

1981 - 2023

Theresa Marie Palmgren
January 18, 1981 - April 5, 2023
Boise, Idaho - Beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Theresa Marie "Sweet T" Palmgren of Boise, ID, died suddenly, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, while at work of a pulmonary embolism. She was only 42.
Theresa was born January 18, 1981, in Idaho Falls, ID, to George and Cornelia (Connie) Palmgren. She was the youngest of three daughters by 13 and 11 years and a blessing to her parents. She was especially treasured by her father after the sudden passing of her mom while Theresa was home on break from college. She graduated from Skyline High School in 1999.
She attended the University of Idaho and graduated with a BA in Visual Communications in 2003. She enjoyed playing in the marching band for the Vandals and helping with the student newspaper. She was a diehard Vandal fan always.
She moved back to Idaho Falls briefly and found work at the local TV station (Channel 8) and newspaper before being hired by KREM2 in Spokane, WA. This led her to her true home and family at KTVB in Boise where she worked as a photojournalist and editor for nearly 18 years. She made many friends through her work and was especially close to her morning crew, Larry Gebert and Jim Duthrie. She was honored with multiple awards during her career, including first place from the Idaho Press Club for best video essay and best medical/health report in 2020, best television news series in 2019, for two stories in 2015 and in 2014, as well as placing second or third numerous times. She was a photojournalist and editor on KTVB's award winning morning show, winning 10 Northwest Regional Emmys.
Theresa was known for her hugs and welcoming demeanor to all she came across. She organized teams for softball and volleyball, never claiming to be very good at the sports, but being very good at bringing people together. T captained women's volleyball (New Tips) as well as winter co-ed volleyball team (Soft Serve). Her teams go back to 2016, some core members even further back. Both teams have made it to the playoffs, with the News Tips winning the championship twice and getting the prized championship t-shirts. But the real prize was the relationships Theresa built with all her team members, taking sweaty team photos, checking in with members, being a listening ear and always offering hugs. In addition to being a manager, she served on the City of Boise Parks and Recreation Softball Players Advisory Board. She was also a huge supporter of the Roller Derby community, befriending many there.
Theresa loved the arts. She loved attending concerts with friends and family, the Boise Shakespeare Festival, and musicals, with Hamilton being a favorite. She was a skilled photographer-of nature and of weddings, friends, or any gathering. She knew how to frame a picture and capture an event. Though Theresa was often behind the camera, she was the light and center of many gatherings with friends. She recently went from behind the camera photographing shows to performing on stage with the Lezbe Kings, something she was very proud to participate in. She recently took first place for best transformation at a drag show. She was grateful, honored and humble, giving credit to all those who came to support her.
Theresa is survived by her father, George Palmgren of Kent, WA; her sister Johanne Wall (James) of Kent, WA; her sister Debbie St. Germain (Kevin) of Lincoln, NE; her nephew Zachary and niece Zoë. She is predeceased by her mother Connie and her beloved fur babies, Peaches and Bandit.
Her memorial service will be held Saturday, April 15, at 1:00pm, at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 Latah St., Boise 83706, with a reception to follow. Tributes may be left on Relyea's website. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Theresa's name to the Idaho Humane Society Adoption Center or to the Trevor Project.
Theresa recently posted this quote: "Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself."