Teresa Hayko

Teresa Lee Hayko, 67, passed away on December 5, 2025, surrounded by her closest family members.

Teresa was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on July 27, 1958, to Dorothy Pruitt Nelson and Finis D. Johnson. As the eldest of six siblings, her early life was marked by experiences that demanded strength and resilience. These challenges shaped her into the courageous, loyal, and hardworking woman who would be admired by so many throughout her lifetime.

Teresa met the love of her life, Joe Hayko, on May 5, 2005. Their affection blossomed quickly, and by the end of that summer they had merged their lives and families. Their love was both beautiful and pliant—steadfast through every season of their lives together. Though their hearts were joined from the beginning, they did not marry until thirteen years later, on September 27, 2018—a celebration that sealed what had long been true.

A woman of remarkable talent, Teresa excelled in several career fields throughout her life. Among her many roles, her most treasured work experience was at BSWB in Sellersburg, where she served in both sales and secretarial positions. She cherished her coworkers and the clients she met there, forming meaningful connections that lasted beyond her employment. Teresa also generously lent her time and creativity to the family’s business, Marguerite’s Flower Cottage in Jeffersonville, where her natural artistry and warmth were always evident.

Teresa devoted her life to her family. She was the proud mother of Dewey Daniel (Gretchen), Joseph Goostree (Kelly), Ashlea Ernspiker (Charles), Lindsey McCosham (Mason), Danyail Hayko, Matt Hayko, CJ Hayko (Lisa), and Camie Barbee. Her creativity and care shone through everything she touched—from nurturing her many beloved plants and tending her garden, to caring for her cherished dogs Dree, Abby, Chloe, Maci, Sadie, and Mia, to crocheting, knitting, and quilting countless handmade quilts sewn with love.

Teresa was preceded in death by her father and her sisters, Donna and Kathy. She is survived by her devoted husband Joe, her mother Dorothy, her eight cherished children, and her beloved grandchildren: Amber, Zeric, Aiden, Kimana, Maddox, Elias, Joey, baby Julius (arriving June 2025), Lexie, Lily, Bria, Hadley, Emmalyn, Kihmara, Scarlett, Robert and Calypso; along with her brothers, Carl and Dale .

Visitation will be held at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown on December 10th from 4–8 p.m. and December 11th from 9–11 a.m., with the funeral service and graveside burial to follow. Flowers and gifts may be sent to Grayson Funeral Home.

Teresa’s strength, warmth, creativity, and love will be forever carried in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.