Theresa A. Bator

1955 - 2025

Theresa A. Bator

July 19, 1955 - February 14, 2025

NORMAL - Theresa A. Bator, 69, of Normal, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on February 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by family and friends, she left this world to be with the Lord.

Born on July 19, 1955, to Walter and Dolores (Bartoski) Bator, Theresa was the eldest of two children. She lived in Berwyn until the eighth grade, when her family moved to Wood Dale. After attending Itasca North Junior High, she went on to graduate early from Lake Park High School in 1973. A passionate traveler, she spent much of her time hiking and exploring different states.

At the age of 18, while camping with a good friend, Theresa met her first husband, with whom she spent 13 years. Following this chapter, she moved to Peoria, Illinois, where she earned an Associate's degree in Business Management. Later, she found her true love and life partner, Herman Jackson, with whom she shared over 30 years of companionship.

Theresa enjoyed a varied and fulfilling career. She initially managed a fine women's clothing store before transitioning to the airline industry. Over 25 years, she worked in ground operations and customer service at several airports across the United States, including in Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, Chattanooga, Gulfport, Baton Rouge, Detroit, and even Cancun, Mexico. After retiring from the airlines, Theresa entered the banking industry, where she managed a customer call center for a major Illinois bank before retiring in 2020.

In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated her community in Gulfport, Mississippi, Theresa was forced to leave the region. She returned to Illinois to be near her family, especially her sister Christine, and close friends.

A lover of books, Theresa was an avid reader of historical fiction, crime novels, and thrillers. She also had a deep appreciation for gardening, spending countless hours tending to her flowers and plants. Cooking, experimenting with new foods, and collecting antiques were other passions she cherished. Additionally, Theresa's love for animals brought her much joy, as she always had a special place in her heart for pets.

Theresa is survived by her significant other, Herman Jackson of Normal; her sister, Christine Bator of Normal; her nephew, Jacob Lohman of Bloomington; and her niece, Katie Harriel of Bloomington. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Dolores Bator.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1000 E College Ave, Normal, IL. Burial will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Chenoa, IL.

Theresa will be remembered fondly for her warm spirit, her love of life, and her unwavering devotion to family and friends. May she rest in peace.