Terressa Rae Harnell

life story

Terri Harnell A Legacy of Love

Terri lived all her days knowing what was important in life; love, faith, family and friends. To know her was to love her and to be loved by her made you the best version of yourself.

Terri Harnell a Legacy of Love

Terri lived all her days knowing what was important in life; love, faith, family and friends. To know her was to love her and to be loved by her made you the best version of yourself. In her presence you felt seen, heard and loved unconditionally. The purity of her love always given freely, fully and perfectly. She invited authenticity and a safe space for truth and FUN! Terri touched so many lives with her heart and soul. Her generosity knew no limits. Any thoughtful way to show you that she cared for your joy, your comfort or just to make you smile. She also loved sharing great sustainable earth honoring products as gifts to create a better world. She was love in motion always paying it forward.

She lived with an abundance of energy for fun and experience. Terri loved music! What began with posters of rock bands on her bedroom wall as a child, turned into hundreds of live music concerts small and large. Music, friends and a cold beer; memories forever treasured. Even when navigating side effects of cancer treatments, she would push through to get herself to a concert where the musical experience could wrap itself around her. Terri’s last vacation in January 2023 was to a Brandi Carlile music festival in Mexico. Terri loved to be with friends anywhere on the planet!

Her passion was making a difference in the lives of children. Her intentions and hopes were to help them see their limitless possibility and potential. The students she worked with felt her sincerity and her belief in them. The positive impact she had on all of the people’s lives she touched will have an immeasurable ripple effect. She was currently working as a para at Roseville Area Middle School. She was so loved by students and staff.

Terri is also known in her community for being a steward of Mother Earth with great efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. Her efforts to be the change were demonstrated by her own example and encouraging others.

Terri was born in Twig MN March 31st 1971. With no fear of adventure, she lived in several places including, Mt. Vernon WA, Livermore CA, New Orleans LA, and Milwaukee WI, before settling in Minneapolis MN in 2015. Inviting the bond of friendship where ever she was created a collection of friendships that spans across the country!

Terri joined the military to serve her country and for the opportunity to fund her college education. Terri is a military veteran that served with the Air National Guard at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth MN. Terri also served in Iraq in 2005. Her educational goals were achieved, graduating from the University of Wisconsin Superior in 2007. Terri earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a Criminal Justice concentration.

The title Terri held with the greatest importance and honor was “Best Friend” she is survived by many, many beautiful people who feel they’ve never experienced a greater friendship. Terri cherished her friends and they cherished her right back. Her cup overflowed with the same grace and love. Throughout her valiant battle with cancer, she was showered every step of the way with the greatest out pouring of care and support. She felt surprised, loved and of course concerned that everyone was doing “too much”. That was our Terri, humble and kind. She had visitors in her last weeks from all over the U.S. just to get another precious moment with her.

Terri became our angel, March 15, 2023. She was surrounded by love.

Terri is survived by her wife Laurie Schmitz. She is also survived by her father Ken Harnell, sister and Best Friend 😊 Angie Edgar, brother-in-law Joe Edgar and her nephews McKayle Harnell, Spencer Herrera and Tyson Edgar. She took her role as Auntie “AT” sincerely and seriously, always making great efforts to inspire their character and spoil them rotten. Terri is survived by many loving and closely bonded family members.

Terri was proceeded in death by her mom Bobbie Dares, her brother Brian Harnell, grandparents and uncles.

There are so many of us who are missing her, so let us always remember that with merely the thought of her, we can hear her laugh, see her smile and feel her warm our hearts.

memorial service

Funeral Service and Reception

April 2, 2023

Bethlehem Lutheran Church 6537 Industrial Rd, Saginaw, MN 55779, USA

There will be a gathering of friends and family at 1:00pm. The church service will begin at 2:00pm. A reception with refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall.

We will also be having a celebration of life party on July 15th in the Twin Cities area. Details to follow.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services