Teresa Tupper Holcomb

Teresa was born on February 13, 1949, in Batavia, New York, to Lyle Tupper and Gwendolyn Day. She lived a life filled with kindness, grace, and steady compassion, touching countless lives with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Hastings College and later received her MBA from Penn State, where she became a lifelong Nittany Lion fan. She loved college football and proudly cheered for both the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Arizona Wildcats. She never lost hope for a comeback.

Teresa’s professional life took her on a remarkable path. She worked for Exxon during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a role that combined her sharp mind with a sense of adventure. She approached every opportunity with curiosity and confidence, paving her own way in places where few women had gone before.

She was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and Tri Psi, the Tri Delta Mothers’ Sorority. Over the years, she held many leadership roles, including serving as International President of Tri Psi and as President of the Tucson Chapter, Alpha Mu. Her dedication to these organizations reflected her belief in sisterhood, service, and helping young women succeed.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Holcomb; her daughters, Alixe Holcomb (Matt Nystrom) and Steffany Goldstein (Joe Goldstein); and her grandchildren, Asher and Ivy, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her brothers, Craig Tupper (Marsha Tupper) and Mark Tupper; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who felt like family.

Teresa loved to read, to travel, and to spend time with her friends and family. She and Mark recently explored Italy, Scotland, and Ireland together, rode the Rocky Mountaineer, and were looking forward to their upcoming Viking cruise through France. She especially loved cruising and was always planning the next adventure.

Becoming a grandmother was one of the greatest joys of her life, and she was truly wonderful at it. Her grandchildren called her Mimi, and she adored them with her whole heart.

Teresa was the kind of friend who never missed a birthday and always made time for a lunch date. She wrote handwritten thank-you notes promptly and beautifully, and her collection of note cards was as thoughtful and intentional as she was.

She lived her life with optimism, joy, and kindness. She treated others the way she wanted to be treated and left people feeling seen, appreciated, and loved.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Tucson, Arizona. All who knew and love her are warmly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Teresa’s memory to the Tri Psi Scholarship Fund at https://give.tridelta.org/tessholcomb

Supporting young women and helping them grow was something she believed in deeply.

We carry her with us, always, because missing her never really ends.