Teresa Ann (Baran) Sult

Teresa Ann Sult, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, colleague, friend to many, and always the prettiest girl in the room, died on Friday, February 13, 2026, at age 72.

Terry was surrounded by a large circle of friends, family, and cherished colleagues throughout her life. She deeply loved her husband, Steve Sult, and shared a special bond with her sisters: Ginny Bamber and her husband, Dennis Bamber (Cassopolis, Michigan); Laure Baran and her husband, Larry McCay (South Bend, Indiana); Julie Bachman and her husband, Bill Bachman (Niwot, Colorado); Bridget Kiefer and her husband, Michael Kiefer (Hinsdale, Illinois); and Kate Warchol and her husband, Curtis Warchol (Naperville, Illinois). She also treasured her relationship with her “sister from another mother,” Stacey M. Sult (South Bend, Indiana). Terry was especially close to her oldest brother, Charlie Baran, and her brother, John Baran, both of whom preceded her in death.

Terry deeply cherished her mother, Audrey Baran, and her father, Dr. Charles Baran, both of whom are now deceased. Terry, over the years, became an inspiration to the Sult family and her husband’s brothers, Scott Sult and his wife, Robyn Sult, Shane Sult, and his wife, Kathy Sult. She married Steve in 1974 and remained married until her untimely death. Together, they had two sons, Christopher Sult, (Niles, Michigan) and Michael Sult, and his wife, Stephanie Sult, (Mishawaka, Indiana). Terry leaves two grandchildren, Emma Sult, and Benjamin Sult. She also leaves two step-grandchildren, Aiden Talboom and Bryson Chèvre.

Terry graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in South Bend, Indiana and went on to earn advanced degrees in applied sciences from Marymount College, a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with a major in Psychology from Aquinas College, further training at the UCLA School of Medicine’s University Extension Center for Integral Medicine, and a Master of Social Work in Interpersonal Practice from IUPUI.

Terry was a founding member of both Holy Cross Counseling Group (South Bend, Indiana) and Lincoln Therapeutic Partnership Mishawaka, Indiana. Both organizations flourished as a result of her leadership and commitment.

In accordance with Terry’s wishes, there will be no viewing or formal service. Her family will honor her memory this spring in Glen Arbor, Michigan, her favorite place, where she can rest among the stars and the water she loved. As they gather, they hope to find a few Petoskey stones, a nod to Terry’s fondness for collecting them.

The family kindly requests that donations be made to The CASIE Center in South Bend, Indiana (https://www.casiecenter.org/donate). This organization embodies Terry’s philosophy and life’s work by providing a comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary response to child abuse. Supporting the CASIE Center is a meaningful way to honor Terry’s legacy of compassion and advocacy for children and families.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the exceptional care provided by the physicians and nurses in Memorial Hospital’s ICU. During the most critical and vulnerable moments, their expertise, vigilance, and compassion became a lifeline for Terry and her loved ones. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kevin Taubman, MD, and Dr. Mark Thompson, MD, whose profound dedication was evident in every decision and in the kindness of each reassuring word and gentle touch. Their unwavering commitment to healing and humanity will always be remembered.

Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com