Teresa Mary Flaherty

Teresa Mary (Trottner) Flaherty passed away on May 5th, 2025 surrounded by her family. Teresa was born in Denver, Colorado on March 23, 1959 to Joseph and Eleanor Trottner. She was the youngest of 4 children. Her family moved to Orcas Island when she was in middle school, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Michael R. Flaherty. They were married in November of 1978 on Orcas Island and began a life of adventure together, starting with a honeymoon at the Happiest Place on Earth- Disneyland. Teresa had a special way of loving those who needed love the most. She spent almost 30 years working at Shuksan Middle School in various roles until she found her place as a librarian assistant. Her favorite part of her job was working with the troubled or struggling students who so easily can be overlooked. She made these children feel seen, loved and accepted for who they are and she touched countless lives during her time there. Teresa's love and nurturing spirit was shared with not only those around her, but animals too. She was a huge animal lover, from riding horses as a young woman on Orcas to rescuing numerous dogs from around the world. Their current dog Biscuit is from Korea! She even had a softspot for the wildlife in her own backyard. The hummingbird population is going to feel her loss almost as much as we are. Teresa loved gardening, cooking, camping and spending time with her family. She was her grandkids' biggest fan, the goofiest and most loving Grandma and was always up for a game of Uno or roasting s'mores on the campfire. Our annual family camping trip to Silver Lake was one of her favorite traditions and one that won't ever feel the same without her. Teresa was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Eleanor Trottner, and older brother Joseph Trottner. She is survived by her husband Michael, her daughter Samantha (Archie) Jorgensen, son Michael C. (Mikki) Flaherty, grandchildren Archie and Titus Jorgensen, Piper and Michael E. Flaherty, sister Nancy Trottner, and brother David Trottner. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 25th, 2025 at Hovander Park in Ferndale, WA. Please drop by anytime between 1-4 pm.