Teri Annette Shaffer

Teri Annette Shaffer, born Teri Annette Ross in Corpus Christi, TX, on March 14th, 1962, passed away at a young age of 59 from a 2-year battle of cancer at her home in Albuquerque, NM with her husband Lee; son, Drew; and her mother, Jean by her side.

"She was a quirky, tell it like it is, no nonsense type person with a sweet, infectious smile."

Teri is survived by her husband, Lee Shaffer of 32 years; her father, Houston Ross; her mother, Jean Dallas; her son, Drew; her two brothers, Eddie, and Jon; and stepsister, Linda Waller along with many uncles, aunts, cousins, and in-laws on both sides of the family. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Jerry Dallas; her grandparents on her mother's side, Art, and Nina Ladymon; and grandparents on her father's side Bob and Ruth Ross.

"Teri...sassy, fun loving, a southern sarcastic way, always had a smile type of gal."

Teri had many achievements during her life. The first and foremost is having her son, Drew from a previous marriage with Simion Ramirez. Her second biggest achievement was her marriage to Lee of 32 years on December 16th, 1989. They both shared many memories, especially in September 2019, when they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with a Scottish wedding vow renewal that Teri always wanted. She really loved working with people from all walks of life, from being a food server in her earlier adult life to working in the real estate industry. She landed her first dream job in the real estate business when she was hired to work in the Bricklight District in the UNM area of Albuquerque, she was the property manager for both residential and commercial property. The biggest achievement she had in the real estate business is when she received her license in the real estate industry. She was ecstatic when she passed both tests in 2019, she will tell you that the state test was the hardest and literally kicked her butt, she hung her license with NM Home Master. Unfortunately, she had to suspend her license in 2020 to undergo cancer treatments. In 2021, she was able to reinstate her license and in April she sold her first house for her friend. She had several clients but in August her cancer had come back, because of the chemo treatments she could no longer pursue her dream. Her plans were to retire early with her husband Lee, purchase a RV and travel the country with their pups.

"There were 3 things she was clearly passionate about, her husband Lee, her son Drew, and her dogs. She could talk nonstop about each of these."

Teri had many passions in life. Her first and foremost was her family. Teri and Lee met in August 1988. They started off just as friends because both had gone through some relationships that did not work out. But soon it would blossom into a relationship that would last for over 33 years. Her mom stated, "It was Lee this, it was Lee that...". You would see both together holding hands at the store, the River of Lights Festival, everywhere...they both enjoyed each other's company and doing things together. Her son Drew was born August 1986, they are 2 peas in a pod. Both did not like mornings, like almost the same foods amongst other things. She adored him and had many discussions of life with Drew. She was happy that she was able to solve some issues with her son. Then there are the pups, there was Mad Max, Layla, Taz Marie that have all preceded her in death. Bonnie, Milo, and Charlie Girl are still with us, she adored each of them. Milo and Charlie Girl were very instrumental during her battle with cancer, both were constantly by her side or in her lap caring for her and giving her joy in a true lap dog fashion.

"Not a day goes by that I won't forget that laugh, humor, and wit."

The love for her mom was out of this world. She enjoyed the many talks with her mom on all levels. She could turn to her mom for advice and help. They both had the same looks, and the same laughs...we know where Teri got the smile from. Many nurses, and others that did not know who Jean was would comment if she was Teri's sister, we would get a laugh at that. Lee would like to say thank you to Jean for everything she did for the last 4 months in caring for Teri, he does not know if he could do what she did for Teri. Teri would get all excited when there was a family reunion being planned, she couldn't wait to visit everyone. She loved each one of her family members, from her brothers, Jon, and Eddie to all her uncles, aunts, cousins, and in-laws on all sides of the family.

"Teri could brighten your day with her vivacious smile and signature lip color. If that didn't do it, her quick wit and sassy banter would certainly seal the deal."

She loved helping serving people, especially her tenants at Bricklight. If a tenant had an issue, she would drop what she was doing to help that tenant with their needs whatever it was. She enjoyed planning events for both the residents and commercial customers, she would seek out what they would like. Her tenants loved her for who she was, a caring but also a no-nonsense type, tell it as it is type of manager. She would help those in needs from going out of her way to purchase a sandwich or burger and give it to a homeless family in need. Literally give the shirt off her back by giving her clothes and shoes that she no longer wore to a women's organization that helped women to get back on their feet.

"Teri had a look about her at times that was a bit mischievous, a great since of humor and quick with it. Sweet, fun, always loving and always giving."

Then there were her friends, she had many friends throughout her life and made more during her journey. Her circle of friends that were tight to include the one that introduced Teri and Lee, to this day Lee has not forgiven her. To the ones that kept in touch with her, especially during her battle of cancer. But there is nothing like the "The Fab 7" that Lee calls them. They planned and did everything together, from apartment events, or just to get together and visit. Lee would like to thank her friends in this circle for being there to see to her needs, and the family needs towards the end.

"Teri will forever be known as a girly girl but held the spirit of a tom boy inside as well. She had a love for manicures, but especially loved it when a good cigar was perched in the V of those manicured fingers."

It was all about fun with Teri. As you have read, she loved and enjoyed getting together with friends and family. Wherever it was, was about fun. She really enjoyed being able to cut up and laugh during these get togethers. She especially enjoyed lighting up a cigar with a bourbon and sitting out on the patio with a fire or listening to the waterfall on Teri's and Lee's patio; just enjoying company with that smile and talking about life. Even though she had a bit of tom boy in her, she was a girly girl. She loved her long hair and her nails; she took pride in taking care of her hair and nails, she had the most beautiful hair. The last time she had her nails done, by the urging of her husband, was done in July. When her cancer came back, it was all about the fight. For the last few months of her life, she received so many compliments about her nails and how beautiful they looked, her nails just grew out and left some of nail polish on her tips of the nails.

"Teri was a fighter, she fought with all the strength and courage I have ever seen...her doctor."

Teri, you fought the hard fight to battle this cancer and we stood behind you, but at the end, God called you to him. You are missed by many but mostly by me. Do not fear, my heart will be healed but you will not be forgotten. As the message inscribed on both our rings, "Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours", and "Forever Love". Teri, I always told you and holds true now, you are my first, my last, and my only love. You have no more scars in heaven, now run with Mad Max, Layla, and Taz Marie. Go ahead and spoil dad (Bill Shaffer) and have those laughs with your dad (Jerry Dallas). There will always be an empty chair at the table, feel free to come a visit anytime...Until we meet again...I love you Teri, Lee.

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24

Teri's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., New Covenant Church, 7201 Holly Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.

Teri's requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Lap Dog Rescue of NM at https://lapdogrescue.org/donations