Teresa Trayan

Teresa Ann "Teri" Trayan, age 50 from Sunnyside, WA went to be in the arms of her Heavenly Father on Monday, April 7, 2025 from her home in Mabton, WA. Teri was born in Sunnyside, WA to William "Bill" and Roberta Neal on September 24, 1974. She was the youngest of four children. Teri began working in the Sunnyside School District when her youngest started kindergarten. She served as a playground monitor, Para-professional and Substitute teacher which is where she discovered her passion working in the Special Education classrooms. Teri was determination personified and demonstrated that by earning a bachelor's degree from Grand Canyon University and becoming a Special Education classroom teacher at Harrison Middle School in Sunnyside, WA in 2018. She then went to earn her master's degree from the same college. Teri is survived by her mother, Roberta Neal, her children Alyssa Lugo (Ruben), Nathan Trayan, Matthew Mendez (Aaron), and Elissa Zapien, three siblings Sharon Heinlen (Mike), Clayton and Mark (Lydia). Teri reveled in her role as Nama (Grandma) to her 15-ish grandchildren that she loved so very much. Teri was the heart and soul of her extensive family. From the years that she spent caring for nieces and nephews to the fact that it was Nama's house where the family gathered. She was glue. She loved and took care of her mother and grandmother. At one point 5 generations of Neal women were residing in her house. She spent some time traveling but truly, her focus was her family. Her demonstration of strength, faith and love is an inspiration to us all. Viewing and visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside. Funeral Service will be Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 5:00pm to 6:00pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA. Burial will be at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 11:00am. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Teresa Trayan, please visit our flower store.