Dr. Teresa Ann Gilewski

Dr. Teresa Ann Gilewski, a beacon of compassion and brilliance in the medical community, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, in Raleigh, NC, at the age of 66. Born on August 17, 1959, in Erie, PA, she was the cherished daughter of Joseph and Christine Gilewski.

She is survived by her devoted family, including her parents, Joseph and Christine Gilewski; her siblings, Ann Hobbs and her husband Leon, Joan Gilewski and her partner Randy Cheetham, and Marie Romero with her husband Humberto; her nieces and nephews, Taylor Hobbs, Enrique and Elijah Romero, Andrea Clay with her husband Nate, and Tori Arguijo, special friends for 30 years, Cheryl Kay, Liz Sniffen and Ann Jakubowski, MD, all who will continue to honor her legacy by living out the values she embodied.

Teresa's journey of lifelong learning began at Gannon University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science, setting the stage for a distinguished medical career that would touch countless lives. She went on to receive her Medical Doctorate from Hahnemann Medical College. She served an internship at Northwestern University and Fellowship at the University of Chicago, a testament to her dedication and intellect.

Dr. Gilewski's professional life was marked by her pioneering spirit and her unwavering commitment to humanistic patient care. As the founder of the "Art of Medicine" program, she left an indelible mark on the medical community. Her innovative lecture series and films at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where she worked for 30 years in the Breast Cancer field, bridged the gap between the scientific rigors of medicine and the compassionate care that defines the heart of the healing profession. Her work not only educated but also inspired her colleagues to see beyond the illness and honor the humanity of each patient.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Teresa was known for her zest for life and her myriad of interests. She loved to travel, finding joy and wonder in the diversity of cultures and cuisines the world had to offer. Closer to home, she could often be found taking serene walks in Central Park, where the beauty of nature provided a backdrop for reflection and relaxation.

Intelligent, loving, and thoughtful, Dr. Gilewski will be remembered for her profound impact on both the medical field and the lives of those she encountered. Dr. Teresa Ann Gilewski's life was a testament to the power of blending knowledge with kindness. Her memory will be treasured and her contributions to medicine and humanity will resonate for generations to come. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Mass will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 520 W Holding Ave, Wake Forest, NC at 1:00pm.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Duke Raleigh Hospital for the exceptional care Teresa received.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Teresa's memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, www.mskcc.org or Duke Cancer Center, giving.dukehealth.org.