Theresa Faye Maylum

Teresa Faye Maylum, 64, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, at her home.

She was born March 11, 1962, in Rockford, the daughter of Leonard and Josephine Klonicki. Teresa graduated from Boylan Catholic High School in 1980 and spent most of her life in the Rockford area before moving to Bloomington in recent years. Earlier in life, she lived in Houston, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Garrett “Garry” Maylum while both were working for G&K. After returning to Illinois, Teresa began her long career with Bates Financial, where she worked faithfully for more than 30 years before retiring.

Teresa married Garry on January 23, 1982, and together they shared 37 years of marriage until his passing in 2021. Her faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was the foundation of her life and guided her with strength, hope, and compassion. A meaningful thread in her family’s story was the promise of Isaiah 40:31 — a verse that surfaced during moments of deep loss and renewal, offering hope when Garry passed and again surrounding her family at Teresa’s own passing. Its message of renewed strength and lifted spirits echoed the way she lived and the faith she carried.

Teresa absolutely adored each of her grandbabies and cherished every moment she spent with them. She lit up when they walked into the room, and she loved nothing more than spoiling them, celebrating their milestones, and cheering them on in everything they did. She also loved to sing and play the piano, filling her home with music that her family will forever remember. Teresa was hilarious, with a sense of humor that could brighten even the hardest day, and her loud, infectious laughter was one of her most defining and beloved traits.

She is survived by her children Jamie (Ryne) Bird, Eric (Kayla) Maylum, and Brandon (Katie) Maylum; her beloved grandchildren Olivia, Ayden, Jocelyn, Aubrey, Brayden, Hazel, Gracelyn, and Madison; her sisters Lori (Norm) Keinz and Ann Arroy; and her brothers Dan (Vicki) Klonicki and Tom (Sheila) Klonicki.

She was preceded in death by her husband Garry Maylum, her parents, and her brother Mark Klonicki.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 2, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 South Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com