Eunice Teel

Eunice Ellen Teel, 80, a long-time resident of Burt Lake, MI, died September 13, 2026 at Frasier Meadows in Boulder, CO, with family at her bedside and under the compassionate care of Frasier and Trail Winds Hospice staff. Eunice lived a life rooted in friendship, curiosity, music, family, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasure of being with the people she adored in the places she loved.

Eunice was born on September 5, 1946 and raised in Clawson, MI. Some of her happiest early memories were of trips up north to a family cabin along the Rifle River. Those childhood summers with her parents, Carl and Esther, her siblings, Jerry and Susan, and extended family planted the seeds of a lifelong love of northern Michigan—a love that eventually led Eunice to make her home there. She adored her nieces and nephews Cindy, Chris, Tim, Patty, Danny, Brian, and Randy.

Eunice graduated from Eastern Michigan University, where she majored in English and minored in French. Her love of learning and books became an important part of her life and career. She worked at the public library in Pontiac, MI and later as a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the city. Eventually, her path led her north, where she became the librarian for North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. While at NCMC, she earned her master's degree in library science from Syracuse University and formed precious bonds with many staff and students.

Throughout her life, Eunice treasured her friends, who were a joyful constant in every chapter of her life. In her 40s, she met the love of her life, Tom Teel. They married on Lake Tahoe in 1990, and Eunice became a cherished stepmother to Julie and Elizabeth, while continuing her legacy as a devoted cat mom. Eunice and Tom spent three years in San Diego before following their hearts to northern Michigan. They settled in a home within a stone's throw of Burt Lake and near dear friends. Eunice and Tom loved exploring the lakes, waterways, and woods around them.

In her later years at NCMC, Eunice connected with a group of adventurous women who formed a band, which brought Eunice (always a music lover) a wonderful sense of purpose and belonging. They played at small gatherings and farmers' markets, but maybe their best times were simply getting together to practice, share a potluck, and catch up on each other’s lives.

Eunice will also be remembered as beloved “Grammy” to Wiley and to Willa, with whom she shared a birthday. She made their summer visits to northern Michigan an incredibly fun, cozy, and special tradition.

Eunice didn't need grand occasions to be happy. She made countless “ordinary” moments magical. A good stretch of shoreline, a ripe patch of wild blueberries, or a long porch sit all filled her cup. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her and will be remembered in the many sources of beauty and kindness that surround us.

For those who would like to honor her memory with a donation, please consider the Alzheimer's Association or the Little Traverse Humane Society.