Teresa Kelso

Teresa Kelso, age 62, of Brownsburg, Indiana, passed away on December 22, 2025. She was born on September 21, 1963, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and lived a life marked by deep love for family, quiet strength, and an open heart that welcomed all who crossed her path.

Teresa was a beloved sister, mom, stepmom, and Mamaw (step-Mamaw). She was truly a friend to many, welcoming to all, and one of a kind. Many of her children’s friends fondly called her “mom,” greeting her with a cheerful, “What’s up, mom?!”—a testament to the warmth and safety she offered so freely.

She is survived by her ex-husband and dear friend, Chris Collins, and her daughter, Angie Collins, both of Brownsburg, Indiana; former son-in-law David Elliott of Avon, Indiana; step-children Jennifer Kelso Setty (Joe Setty) of Clayton, Indiana, and Leif Kelso (Angie O’Neal) of Plainfield, Indiana; and her seven cherished grandchildren: Madalynn, Grayson, Braelynn, Raegan, Dillon, Wyatt, and Sydney. She is also survived by her father, Thomas Cole of Seymour, Tennessee, and her brother, Brian Cole (Susan Cole) of Thorn Hill, Tennessee.

Teresa was preceded in death by her mother, Anita Cole of Seymour, Tennessee; her beloved son, Daniel Elliott Collins of Brownsburg, Indiana; and her siblings, Jeffrey and Brenda Cole of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Teresa had a deep love for dramas, soap operas, and music. She was an excellent piano player and, in her younger years, possessed a beautiful singing voice. From childhood, she carried a unique ability to balance a conservative upbringing with the realities of modern life—gracefully, thoughtfully, and with compassion.

As her brother once shared, “No one will ever know the burden she carried as she walked through this life,” a statement that rings profoundly true to those who knew her strength behind the scenes.

A heartfelt tribute from her stepdaughter reflects Teresa’s lasting impact:

“Family is family—it’s not determined by marriage certificates or divorce papers. Families are made in the heart. Your mom was not just a stepmom; she was the protector, caregiver, support system, and the anchor that held us together. I loved her like my own mother." 

Teresa’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the family she held together, and the love she gave without condition. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.