Teresa Bizjak

Lola Teresa Bizjak, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully in Cumming, Georgia on October 21, 2025, at the age of 81. Although she had been living in Cumming for the last 8 years, she was born to the late Lebrun and Wanna Skipper in January 1944 in Bradenton, FL. She grew up in Florida caring for her 3 younger siblings and had the deepest of love for her family and friends, particularly her only child (a son) and her only grandchild (a granddaughter).

“Terry”, as she was called by nearly all that knew her, was always a positive person, who was rarely in a bad mood and was always happy to see you. She never met a stranger and was quite the social butterfly. Her welcoming smile and true excitement when she was visited by family and friends will always be remembered.

After graduating from Manatee High School in Bradenton, FL, she worked in Bradenton as a bookkeeper and accountant for most of her career and made many friends and professional acquaintances over the years in the industry. After retiring in Florida, she moved to Travelers Rest, South Carolina to be near her only sister for a few years, before relocating to be near her son in Cumming, Georgia in 2017.

Terry found joy in the little things – a cup of hazelnut iced coffee, a good meal, a day of shopping and most of all – being with those she loved. She also loved music, movies, crafting, coloring and even crocheting when she had spare time. She was a breast cancer survivor and was most proud of that, as it gave her an opportunity to show her natural born resiliency, strength and willingness to overcome adversity.

Terry is preceded in death by her brother, Jan Skipper, and is survived by her son, David Novakoski, her granddaughter, Zoe Novakoski, her sister, Christine Huyck and her brother, John Skipper. She is already and will continue to be deeply missed.

The family is planning a small, private ceremonial meal to celebrate her life in the coming weeks, as no formal funeral service will occur. In lieu of sending flowers, a donation in Terry’s name can be made to one of the following charities for breast cancer research and support: The Pink Fund, Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) or the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).