Teresa S. Sims, 79, Rockford, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Wesley Willows Health Center. She was born March 28, 1947, in Jacksonville, FL, the daughter of Arnaldo and Leta (Alford) Strada. Teresa married William H. Sims in Jacksonville, FL on August 16,1965. He passed away on December 5, 2021. Teresa worked as a customer service representative for United Airlines for many years until her retirement. Special thanks to the doctors and staff at Wesley Willows and Mocara Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Teresa had a great love for her family. She was always there for her children and grandchildren and would drive hours to attend concerts, birthdays and graduations. She also loved adventure and travel. At 18 she married the love of her life and moved far away from Florida to Alaska and Panama and then settled in the Chicago area. She didn’t stop traveling and seeking adventure. With church groups she participated in mission trips to Africa, Peru, Costa Rica and Europe. She was very involved in her church and was an active member of Samuelson Church of the Nazarene. Lastly, she loved Jesus and served Him with her whole heart. Teresa exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman. We love her and will miss her, but we are happy that she is at peace.

She is survived by her son Brian Sims of California and her daughter, Rhonda (Ted) Thayer of Rockton; her grandchildren, Anthony (Elise) Sims, Connor Sims, and Will and Adriana Thayer; her great-grandchildren, Abigail, Eliana and Elijah Sims; her sisters, Joanne (Wayne) Stephens, Maria Simpkins and Patricia Bennett; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, her husband, William, her sister, Janice Kittsmiller and her brother, Victor Strada.

There are no services planned at this time A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.