Theresa Gayle Wallen Rebello

THERESA “TESS” GAYLE WALLEN REBELLO COCONUT CREEK, FL - Theresa “Tess” Gayle Wallen Rebello, 38, of Coconut Creek, Florida, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 after courageously battling cancer for two years. Tess was born at George Air Force Base, CA on March 19, 1978. She was a graduate of Wright State University, Fairborn, Ohio and Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. She taught for 15 years in the Broward County School system and was an adjunct professor at Broward Community College. Tess enjoyed spending time with family and friends and had a special bond with many of them. She loved being outdoors and had a passion for living life to the max. She loved marathon running, bike riding with her friends and instructing Spinning classes at her local gym. Tutoring students in math was a heartfelt passion. Tess touched hundreds of lives with her determination and generosity of spirit in the short time she was with us. Tess is survived by her father, Terry R. Wallen, of Weaverville, NC; sisters, Veronica “Roni” M. Wallen Berlinski of Boynton Beach, FL, and Anna Denise Lee of Fort Mill, SC; maternal grandparents, Richard and Arlene Cherney of Glenville, MN. She is also survived by her best friends, Syrus Rebello, Kristen and Ben Huener, Elizabeth Metzger and Dale Beames. She also has aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins residing all over the world. Tess was preceded in death by her mother, Elaine L. Cherney Wallen; and her paternal grandparents, Earl and Ada Lea Wallen. A Celebration of Tess’ life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Asheville Elks Lodge #608, 232 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801. In lieu of flowers Tess requested donations to be made to any organization supporting cancer research. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Tess’ obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.