Teresa R. "T.T." Bowen Collander, 68, of Westfield passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Erie, PA. She was born on August 14, 1957 in Westfield, the daughter of the late John J. and Leona G. Waite Bowen.
She had operated Teresa's Daycare for children out of her home for many years. She had been a member of the Westfield United Methodist Church and enjoyed going to kids sporting events, eating out, riding motorcycles, gardening, playing softball, high school sports, and time with her family.
Teresa, affectionately known as "T.T.," was young at heart. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spent her summers outside soaking up the sunshine and watching the kids play. T.T. enjoyed having fun with her family and was rarely found without a smile. No one ever had to ask if she was coming to a birthday party, sporting event, graduation, etc. because they always knew she would be there -- she showed up for everyone and everything. Christmas was her favorite time of year. Between the Bowen Family Christmas, Bowen Sister Cookie Day, and the annual Christmas Eve dinner, she knew she'd get to see her family. All you had to do was walk into her house, and you knew how much her family meant to her. Her grandchildren have very fond memories of having sleepovers and playing card games at her house. She never wanted to participate in playing, but she was always laughing along with them. "She has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
Teresa is survived by her loving husband, Steven J. Collander; three daughters, Jessica (Bryon) Emory of Thousand Oaks, CA, Jennifer (Jeremy) Rager of Westfield and Melissa (Paul III) Lanphere of Westfield; a stepson, Nathan Collander of Silver Creek; six grandchildren, Megan Emory, Courtney Quagliana, Morgan Eimers, Hailey Myers, Grace Barresi and Paul Lanphere IV; six great-grandchildren (with one on the way); 14 brothers and sisters; numerous nieces and nephews; and her pets, who were like her babies. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmy Rager; her second husband, Donald Postweiler; and a sister, Cindy Costley.
The funeral will be held on Friday, May 8 at 9:00 AM at the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church, 12 English Street in Westfield. The Rev. John Bowen will officiate. A private graveside service will take place in the Westfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends for calling hours on Thursday, May 7 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Freay Funeral Home, 139 South Erie Street in Mayville.
Memorial donations can be made to the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 North Gale Street, Westfield, NY 14787.
To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit www.freayfuneralhome.com.
