Teresa Banfell

Teresa Rose Banfell , 67 years old, died on October 9, 2022. She was born on October 6, 1955 in Escambia County, FL at the old Sacred Heart Hospital on 12th Avenue. She was born to Kenneth White Sr. and Chrystelle Nichols.  She spent her younger years attending Sacred Heart School in Pensacola and was a graduate of Catholic High, class of ’73.

As a child, she relished her summers in Gulf Breeze with her siblings and cousins, moving there permanently when she was a teenager.  Those early years in Gulf Breeze cultivated her love of life, the water, boating, sunsets and the accompanying animal inhabitants.  One of her greatest passions was fishing, ignited by many adventures with her father which led her to work as a deckhand on a charter boat as a teenager.

Music was a part of her life from an early age.  Over the years, she was a singer in bands and at weddings.  She incorporated music into her family’s daily life and loved a good at-home dance party.

She married Skip Banfell in 1986, a fellow Catholic High alum, after reconnecting at their 10-year high school reunion. Together they shared a love of life on the water, family and gatherings of loved ones where you could find them sharing a fresh caught fish fry and homemade ice cream.

Teresa was a caring, loyal friend to many.  There was never a shortage of her charismatic spirit and happiness. She looked for any reason to celebrate life, from birthdays of her loved ones to simply her “I’m so grateful that you are a part of my life” texts. To her family, she was known as sister, cousin, Aunt T-Rose and “Mother Teresa” to many.  She was a confidant, a cheerleader of others and created a safe space, free of judgement for everyone who walked through her door. Known for her endless love, hugs, and crazy fun antics, she thrived off a good scare, side splitting laughter and setting off fireworks.

Her life revolved around her girls, Robin, Amber, Jo and Chryssie.  She was always there for daily phone calls, advice, a funny story or some crazy adventure. A quote from her grief journal we found after her death: “My children mean everything to me.  My healing partly comes from them.  Being with them as adults is comforting.  Spending as much time with them, as possible, is comforting.  Thank you Amber, Chryssie & Jo.”

Her greatest loves were her granddaughters, Reece and Remi.  She lived for the next phone call, photo and visit.  Her most prized accomplishment was having the chance to be a Wesa.

Teresa was predeceased by both of her parents and her daughter, Robin Vance.  She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Skip Banfell; her children Amber Smith Vance (Jo) and Chryssie Banfell; and her grandchildren, Reece and Remi Smith Vance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teresa’s favorite local non-profit organization Magdalene’s at https://magdalenes.org/donate or consider planting a butterfly garden in your yard in Teresa’s memory and share your photos online.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 5:00 PM at Pensacola Maritime Park.  The family will receive friends starting at 4:30 PM.