Born and raised in the St. Louis area, Terri was a proud graduate of Oakville High School. She continued her education and received her Registered Nursing degree from Lutheran Hospital Nursing School before earning both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Webster University and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from St. Louis University.
Terri had a distinguished career in nursing which was marked by her exceptional dedication to cardiac care. She began as a cardiac critical care nurse and advanced to serve as an Assistant Head Nurse, and then the Head Nurse of the Coronary Intensive Care Unit at St. Louis University Hospital, where she was respected for her clinical expertise, leadership, and compassionate care of critically ill patients. She also contributed meaningfully to the advancement of cardiac nursing through a number of research roles at St. Louis University and later at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Terri was a published co-author of several cardiac research papers which led to significantly improved outcomes for patients worldwide.
She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Dorothy, and is survived by her brother Rick (Deb) Thornton; her sister Julie (Dave) Welch; nieces Jennifer (James) Sanwald, Allison Pierce, Faith Thornton, and Chelsea Thornton; nephews Joshua (Kristin) Welch, and Austin Thornton. Terri was also a great aunt to Nellie, Kaylee, Louie, Hadley and Corbin.
Terri was a devoted “dog mother” to her cherished companions Channi, Kelsey, and Laci, who brought her immense joy and unconditional love throughout the years.
A visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road on February 21, 2026 from 2:30 – 4:30, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:30. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a favorite animal rescue organization or the American Heart Association in her memory.
Thank you for being my true and dear friend. I can’t believe you are gone.
Thank you for the friendship you shared with Terri. We sincerely hope your fond memories bring you comfort, as ours do.
– Terri’s family
My sincere sympathy goes out to the family. Terri was my first or second nurse manager as a brand new RN at SLUH and she greatly impacted me and my career. She was known for her knowledge, expertise and kindness. She has been on my mind quite often in the past 34 years and I spoke of her often. What a loss to the family and the profession. Peace and strength to the family and everyone she impacted.
Thank you for the kind note in memory of Terri.
She found her calling in nursing and truly enjoyed mentoring others in the profession. Your comment underscores that and is greatly appreciated.
– Terri’s family
My whole family loved Nurse Thornton, as my dad would call her. She came to many of our family functions in the past few years. My sister, Christine went to nursing school with her and have been friends since. I loved seeing her and talking to her. Terri, passed away on what would have been my dad’s birthday. I take peace that they will now be together. Peace and Prayers
Thank you for the friendship you shared with Terri.
We believe Terri is enjoying many “happy reunions,” and undoubtedly super proud when fondly greeted as Nurse Thornton. 🙏🏻
– Terri’s family
Thank you for the friendship you shared with Terri.
We believe Terri is enjoying many “happy reunions,” and undoubtedly super proud when fondly greeted as Nurse Thornton. 🙏🏻
– Terri’s family