November 8, 1956•October 6, 2026
Terri Lee Thrall Fontaine, born on November 8, 1956, to Beverley J. (Tedesco) and Melvin F. Thrall, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, at the age of 69. She left this world with her son Dillon sitting faithfully by her side—who loved her and will miss her more than anything. Terri was preceded in death by her younger sister, Denise Cordova, who passed away exactly thirty years to the day before Terri; her older sister, Helen (Judy) Draper; her brother, Michael (Mickey) Thrall; her niece, Michelle Leyba; and her parents, Melvin and Beverley Thrall. She is survived and deeply missed by her son, Dillon Fontaine; her older sister, Barbara (Susie) Larson; her niece, Shyloe Cordova; and many other family, and friends.
Terri grew up in downtown Salt Lake alongside a large, vibrant family and friends. She loved her family and friends deeply and shared cherished stories about them throughout her entire life. After graduating from West High School, she pursued her education, earning her Associate degree at Salt Lake Community College and later completing her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Phoenix.
She retired from the State of Utah Driver License Division, where she dedicated 30 years of service as both an examiner and a hearing officer. Beyond her professional career, Terri focused immensely on community service. Mirroring her mother’s legacy, she was deeply involved with Operation Lifesaver, visiting local high schools to teach vital train safety to Driver's Education students. In her younger years, she also dedicated much of her time and energy to the fellowship of the Moose Lodge.
As an adult, Terri resided in South Salt Lake for 17 years before moving to Rose Park to be close to her parents and help raise her nieces after the passing of their mother, Terri’s sister. Terri spent the remainder of her life in Rose Park, and in later years was dedicated to supporting her mother and her stepdad, Louis until their passing. Terri truly loved to help people and would continuously go out of her way to lift others up.
She cherished traveling to Disneyland and exploring new places with her son, Dillon, and her nieces Shyloe and Michelle. She also loved jumping in the car for a trip to Wendover with her mother or anyone who would join her. Some of her absolute favorite things included classic rock, scary movies, thrilling books, a cold Dr Pepper, the color yellow, all animals, and, of course, the amazing people who filled her life. Terri consciously chose to focus on the positive, beautiful things in life while gracefully filtering out the static. She possessed a unique, unforgettable sense of humor that will be greatly missed from the world.
If Terri were here today, she would want you to honor her memory by doing something genuinely fun. Take a trip to Wendover, listen to your favorite rock album, or simply spend time doing something that brings you absolute joy.