Theodora (Teddi) Tillman Burton passed away at the age of 86 on January 11, 2022 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Daughter of Norbert and Hellen Tillman, she grew up in Lorain, Ohio, attending St. John College to become a nursing instructor at Saint Joseph Hospital in Cleveland.

Teddi's passion for nursing and teaching led her to pursue masters degrees from the University of Charleston, West Virginia and Columbia University. Settling in Connecticut, Teddi taught nursing at the University of Bridgeport, worked for the State of Connecticut, taught at the Yale School of Nursing, and held her own outpatient mental health practice. Her impressive career culminated in 2003 when she was named the Connecticut Nurse of the Year. Reflecting on her life's work, Teddi advised "whatever your interest is, grab a hold of it, develop it, and it will enrich you and enrich those around you".

As a 40 year resident of Ridgefield CT, she was an avid life-long gardener and lover of literature and art. Teddi continued to pursue her artistic and social passions after relocating to the Heritage at Towne Lake in Cypress, TX. When asked about getting older, she chuckled, "aging is not for the faint of heart, but at least, being in a community like this, you share it… Even though you're old, it's not too late to start something new or continue what you have always loved to do with vigor".

Teddi will be remembered for her caring presence, her wit, and her laugh. Those who were close to Teddi might still, in their memory, hear her cheerful singing. She will be sorely missed.

Teddi is survived by four of her five children - Tom DuBrul, Tresa Amrani, Robert DuBrul, and Bill DuBrul -  as well as nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her second daughter, Elizabeth Petroni, passed away in 2015.

Teddi's memorial service will take place at St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church, 17020 West Road, Houston, TX 77095 on February 19th at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Founders Hall ( https://founders-hall.org/donate/ ) where Teddi ignited her passion for art, or to the Delphian Foundation Scholarship Fund ( https://houstondelphians.org/donate/ ) where she expressed her dedication to women's intellectual enrichment.