Taryn was full of light and touched my life in a lasting way. My heart is broken by her passing. i’m sending a warm hug to all her loved ones during this difficult time. — with Taryn Robinson and Aimee Halstuk

Teryn was an integral part of FSYA, telling jokes and making everyone feel welcome and helping anyone in need. She was the first person I told when I applied to graduate school and the first I told when I got in. I am forever grateful that such a wonderful spirit will be apart of my journey through life. I hope Simon knows that he has so many aunts and uncles at FSYA watching out for him just like Teryn did for all of us. ❤️

Maybe my favorite photo of us

After Stefen's Show at Constellation ♥️ (May 8, 2025) — with Teryn J. Robinson, Dustin Soper and Stefen Robinson

Teryn was a wonderful colleague and friend! She was with me in some of my darkest moments and always brought life and laughter - even through tears. Sending all my love. 

Teryn is a true gem. As a dear friend over the past few years, she witnessed some of my most joyful and painful moments. She celebrated and mourned with me so meaningfully.

Her deep love for Ann and Simon has been SO present. She beamed with pride as Simon’s mom and delighted in him.

Thank you, Teryn, for sharing part of your journey with me. I am better for it and will long cherish our friendship. I am heavyhearted and angry to say goodbye so soon, and hopeful we’ll stay connected in some cosmic way. You’ve always had such magical energy; I’m grateful that part of it remains here with us. 

Teryn and I had so many adventures at Millikin. One of the dearest to me was during Spring when the daffodils and tulips came out and were so beautiful we couldn't resist sneaking out one night and cutting some  to put in our rooms.  The adventure even  made it into a poem I wrote for class. Just a little moment between good friends I will always remember, even the pink scissors we used to cut the flowers. Teryn, thank you for all the memories and for being one of my best friends at an important time in our lives.

Sending my deepest sympathies to your family at this time. Teryn's kindness brightened my first months and years at Loyola, and this community will miss her dearly. 

Sincerely,

Emily Mattson

My heart is broken but also so full for the chance to have worked with Teryn for the past few years. The last message Teryn wrote to me was to wish me luck on an upcoming presentation at work; what an incredible support and friend to us all, always wishing us well and thinking of others. I will miss Teyrn dearly. Prayers for your comfort and healing in this difficult time. 

A bunch of misfits at our lunch table

Anne and Simon, Teryn was a wonderful person. We are so thankful that we got to be a part of her journey during grad school at ISU. I will keep your family in my prayers as you heal and work to find ways to keep Teryn's spirit alive and present in your daily lives. - Kate and Jeremy Schenk

Although I only saw Teryn occasionally, she was a ray of sunshine every single time. Her impact on this world was large, as big as her heart. She as uniquely herself, always. I am so glad she found Anne and that together they created the wonderful SiFi. 

I am so sorry, Anne and Simon. May her memory be a blessing that brings you strength during this difficult time <3

Anne and Simon,I am so sorry to hear about Teryn's sudden passing. I worked with Teryn at Loyola in the FYSA office for about 2 and half years. However, it felt like longer with how generous and kind her impact was on me. When I started at Loyola, I was new to academic advising. Teryn went the extra mile to first make me feel welcome to the team, but also open to helping me with any questions (none were too big or small). She was an amazing example of how all higher education professionals should care and work with students. My favorite memories with her were all the conversations and laughs over our lunch breaks either in the near by fish bowl classroom or sitting out near the lake. I think of her laugh, smile and overall warmth. She was one of one. Often times, Teryn was sharing about the two of you. She would talk about Simon's milestones, moments with Anne  or even funny stories about the cats; it was clear she fiercely loved both of you. It is my hope you can hold on to that always. Please know I will never forget Teryn. I will think of her fondly when I see someone knitting, hear someone with a beautiful laugh, notice a person rocking some amazing colored hairstyle and most of all witness someone going out of their way to be kind to others. Sending all the love,Kate S.

Teryn was what we all aspire to be - the most loving, generous and easy person to be with.  I would find myself sitting in her office talking about everything and nothing and just not wanting to leave. She was both the fiercest fighter for justice and the most peaceful person you could know. I cherish my time with Teryn in FSYA and am thankful everyday that I got to experience life with her in it. I will miss her always.

Anne and Simon,

I am so very sorry for what you are going through right now. The world lost such a wonderful person. These past few days I find myself thinking of all the amazing memories I have with Teryn from my time with her in FSYA at Loyola. Teryn was one of the most compassionate, understanding, and supportive human beings I have ever come into contact with. So incredibly funny and absolutely brilliant. I learned so much from her. One thing that I absolutely know is how much she loved you both. She talked about you with so much love and happiness, it felt like I knew you both. I am lucky to have known her and I’ll never forget her.

With love and condolences,

Katie Hill

 Teryn was a wonderful friend and colleague.  I had so much fun working with her, riding the train, and just hanging out. More than that, she taught me so much. I’m a better person and teacher for having known her.  Your whole family is in my thoughts. Her memory is a blessing to all of us.

I had the joy of working with Teryn while she was a master’s degree student in Illinois State University’s College Student Personnel Administration program. She was an amazing person, an outstanding student, and willingly shared her knowledge and experience with other students. She stayed in touch and was always helpful in recruiting students, sharing job postings, and mentoring others into student affairs. Teryn loved her family and spoke so often of her wife and son. We all have lost a kind and caring soul. It is a blessing to have known her. She definitely left the world a much better place. May you find comfort knowing how many others care about you and share your loss. 

Phyllis McCluskey-Titus

This world will miss Teryn. My deepest condolences to your family. My time spent with Teryn at Lake Forest College is filled with memories of both laughter and working hard to help so many others. 

So sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet girl Sandy and Jim Henson

Teryn was an amazing and beautiful soul. To have known her is to have known love, laughter, persistence, and life!

I am in shock to find out of her passing and am so sad for all her friends and family. Teryn was definitely one of a kind! I have very fond memories of her going all the way back to grade school when we were both one of the “weird“ nerdy kids. Many years later we went to prom together as two of the most closeted people ever trying to find our place in the world (I still have our prom keepsake). Life has a way of bringing people together and forming friendships that last a lifetime. Her wife Anne and son Simon are on my mind and in my heart.

May the memories of Teryn bring us strength and comfort as she is mourned and may they fill all those whose lives she touched with love, laughter, and joy as they days go on.

A firm believer in the power and love of education, I am happy to see that a fund for Simon has been established. As I grieve, I shall lift up her memory with a jam session featuring Tori Amos, Sinead O’Conner, and Alanis Morissette.