Teresa B. (nee Bistrican) Mears, age 87, of Portage, passed away July 20, 2016 at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. She was born on January 5, 1929 in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Joseph and Mary Bistrican. On January 11, 1964, she married the love of her life, Merwyn B. Mears. Teresa was employed as a secretary and purchaser for Inland Steel. She was a dedicated member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and volunteered her time at St. Mary Medical Center. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs.

Teresa is survived by her brother, Richard R. Bistrican; sister, Betty Anderson; numerous loving nieces and nephews; step daughter, Glenna (Ken) DeVries.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merwyn; four brothers and three sisters. Memorial contributions in Teresa's name may be made to the St. Mary's Medical Foundation.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 25, 2016 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church at the corner of Front and Center Streets, Hobart, Indiana. Prayers will be said at the funeral home at 9:30 am followed by procession to church. Rev. Dominic Bertino is officiating. She will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.