Teresa M. "Terri" Mitchell

Teresa "Terri" Mitchell (née Speca), after living her life to the fullest, left us on June 18, 2026 after a brief hospitalization in Milwaukee. Terri was born on June 2, 1933 in Kenosha and lived most of her life in Brookfield and Elm Grove. She is survived by son James (Beth) Mitchell and daughter Karen (Rob Chodock) Mitchell and grandsons Tim Mitchell, Daniel Mitchell and Hudson Chodock. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 54 years, Francis K. Mitchell, her parents Emilia (Mazzei) and Dante Speca, brothers John and Alfred Speca and sisters Theresa and Mary Jane Speca.

Terri traveled the world to all of the continents and took many of us with her on her countless journeys. She received her BS in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, where, as no surprise, she served as the social chairman. Upon graduation, she embarked on a European tour and then moved to New York City where she worked for American Airlines. Ready to return to family, she accepted a position teaching English and speech at East Troy High School where she was introduced to the love of her life, Fran (Fritz), the physics teacher. As they say, the rest is history.

After starting her family, Terri returned to working life in field she loved - travel. A trailblazer, she later opened her own travel agency - Mitchell Travel in Brookfield - and continued circumventing the globe and planning trips for friends and family until her passing.

Over her many vivacious years she was involved in, and often led, social, political, religious, and athletic organizations. Her focus on community, family and life long learning was an example to all. When she wasn’t traveling, her schedule was packed with investment and book clubs, golfing, dancing, game groups, Spanish lessons, yoga, outings with the American Association of University Women and the list goes on. She didn’t miss a wedding, school performance or sporting event for family and friends’ children.

A Celebration of Life event will be hosted by her children in late summer for family and friends. In lieu of donations consider honoring Terri by joining a demonstration for something you believe in, attending a performing arts event, going to your local YMCA or packing a bag and taking the trip you have been dreaming about. If you do, as Terri always said, “you will be rewarded…..in heaven”.