Teresita Lynn Warneke

Teresita Lynn Warneke, 38, died Sunday morning, January 2, 2011, after a 2-year battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her family at her parents'™ home in Cedarville, IL. Teresita was born the daughter of David and Felicitas (Rumbaoa) Warneke in Nashville, TN on August 24, 1972. She graduated from Freeport High School in 1990, and received a Bachelors degree in Communications from Northern Illinois University in 1994. She worked as a producer and director for WREX-TV in Rockford for over 7 years, followed by short periods at TV stations in Wichita and Tulsa. The last 2 years of her career were spent as a producer/writer in Cincinnati at WLWT-TV, preceded by 5 years in Louisville at WLKY-TV. Although she had a long career in the TV industry, her true passion was writing, including authoring novels, additional freelance work, and the publication of some short stories. She also served as Co-Municipal Liaison for National Novel Writing Month for Louisville. In addition to writing, Teresita enjoyed traveling, music, spending time with her family and friends, and singing in the Schola choir at St. Francis Church in Louisville. Her favorite travel destination was London, where she participated in the Walk for the Cure twice, attended Blur concerts and made a point to walk up Primrose Hill each visit. Teresita is survived by her parents David and Felicitas of Cedarville, her sister Marisa of Chicago, her brother David (Melissa) of Chicago, and her cats Paisley and Kitty. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins from all over the world. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Felix and Jovencia (Marinas) Rumbaoa; her paternal grandparents, John and Kathleen 'Sue' (Bush) Warneke; her great aunt, Betty (Bush) Migliore; and her uncle Jovito Rumbaoa. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary'™s Church in Freeport, IL at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2011, with Father Art Mallari officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 7, 2011, at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, IL from 4-8 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for lung cancer research and Caring Bridge (www.caringbridge.org/visit/teresitawarneke).