Kathleen Mary Tesson (nee Ries) passed away peacefully on January 27th, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones, after a long battle with cancer. She was 77 years old.
Born September 23, 1946 to Sue and Elmer Ries. Kathy lived the first 18 years of her life in St Louis MO with her seven siblings Danny, Madeleine, Johnny, Susan, Virginia, Johanna & Charlie.
On June 5, 1965, Kathy married her first husband, Richard Smith. The Army had her packing their bags to live many places, including Japan and Germany, where she brought back 3 souvenirs, Kimberly, Brigitte and Susan. Sadly, she was widowed at the age of 30, but she never lost her resilient spark, if anything, she became more determined.
2 years after moving her children back to St Louis to be near her family, She met the love of her life, Harold (Buzz) Tesson, and the rest is history! The two were married on December 19, 1987, and Buzz had her packing their bags for weekends at the Lake! When Buzz retired in 1998, they moved to their lake house in Owensville, MO. But her final move was her favorite, because it brought her back to St Louis to be near her 6 Grandbabies.
She wore many hats in her life… Daughter… Sister… Cousin… Best Friend… Wife… Mother… Aunt… Mother-In-Law… But there was NO question as to which hat she wore proudest, and that was Grandma!!! She has been MeMaw first and foremost in her life since Rachael came on the scene 25 years ago, Then Cameron, Justin, Ries, Caleb & wrapped up with Megan.
She is survived by her Husband, Buzz and her 4 Daughters, Kimberly (Sean) Brady and their 3 children, Rachael (Josh) Snider, Cameron & Ries. Karen Tesson and Dalton Tesson Mercier, Brigitte (Chad) Greer and their 2 children, Justin & Megan. Susan Schwenk (Scott Kornely) and her son, Caleb.
Kathy was a beautiful person inside and out. Her laughter was contagious and would fill up the whole room. She was kind, feisty, strong willed, compassionate and made an impact on so many lives. She will be forever missed.
Services: Visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd on Thursday, February 1, from 4-8 p.m. with a Funeral at 7 p.m. (same evening) with all services concluding at Kutis. Funeral will live streamed the same evening https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwNjczOTA5MDI5MzQ2MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Oh Aunt Kathy was a very special Aunt. Always laughter and great memories. So glad I was able to visit her before her passing.
It was a genuine pleasure to meet Kathy and to spend a little time getting to know her at Rachael’s wedding events. She kept me laughing at a time I wanted to cry. She treated me like I was a part of her family and that made a huge and lasting impression on my heart. I’m so very sorry for the family’s loss, she will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all for the days ahead.
Tracy Snider
At our most recent encounter Kathleen told us “I am ready to go and I know where I am going”. That is what she said while we visited her at the hospital. She also said “My Lord is waiting for me”.
What a testimony!
May this comfort you, Buzz, Kim, Brigitte, Susie, Karen and the rest of the family.