Terri Lee Abbott, age 65, of Fargo, ND, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 11, 2026, surrounded by family and wrapped in love.

Terri was born on October 26, 1960, in Fargo, ND, to Ronald and Avis (Johnson) Madson and was raised in Niagara, ND. The values instilled in her during her upbringing... faith, perseverance, hospitality, and a deep devotion to family... shaped how she would live her life.

In 1992, Terri met the love of her life, Dan (the man) Abbott. They shared their first date on Valentine's Day at Pizazz, a quaint Italian basement restaurant in the heart of downtown Fargo. Twelve years later, on February 13, Dan got down on one knee (in snow shoes) on the porch of cabin #6 at Itasca State Park and asked for Terri's hand in marriage. On July 3, 2004, Dan and Terri were united in marriage in Fargo, ND; a wedding day filled with many blessings that could only be described as GodWinks. Last year, they celebrated 21 years of marriage (33 years in love).

Terri graduated from Fordville High School in 1978, during which time she competed for and was crowned Miss North Dakota National Teenager. She pursued her education with determination, earning her Associate of Applied Science in Legal Assistance from North Hennepin County Community College in 1989. She later completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mary in 2002. Terri spent 13 years working alongside her dear friend and mentor Wayne Anderson, Attorney at Law, as a Paralegal and Mediator. In 1998, she founded Mediation Associates, demonstrating her natural ability to guide others toward understanding and resolution. In 2005, Terri joined Vogel Law Firm working as a Paralegal, Mediator and Parenting Coordinator for the next 10 years, after which she operated exclusively under her business Mediation Associates. Throughout her career, she was known for her integrity, wisdom, professionalism, and compassion.

Her deepest calling, however, was her faith. Terri was a devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo, where she faithfully volunteered, and supported the Alpha Ministry Series. She served for 5 years on the Valley Christian Counseling Board. She was widely regarded as a prayer warrior, steadfast and intentional in lifting others before the Lord. Many who knew Terri credit her encouragement and bold witness as an instrumental part in strengthening their own faith.

In 2004, Terri was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle that would become a 22-year testimony of courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith. When cancer returned in 2012 and progressed in 2021 to Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, Terri chose not to walk in fear. As she wrote in her own words, "Praise be to God, who heals through medicine... I won't give up. But I don't walk in fear. God has given me peace. I will serve Him all my days! And I will live my life to the fullest." And she did.

Even in heartbreak, she was teaching. Even in suffering, she was pointing people to Jesus. Terri reflected on what she called "good grief," choosing to recognize God's faithfulness in every season. She often spoke about the importance of counting her blessings, acknowledging that while her time on earth is limited, God's promises are eternal. Her life was a testimony to Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."

Terri created a home marked by warmth and welcome. She cherished music, dancing, hosting gatherings, playing games, working puzzles, and spending time with those she loved. She found joy in travel, including special trips with family to Disney World, getaways with the girls on Cousins Trips, visits to Norway, retreats with Dan and friends to Maplelag Resort, and cherished Abbott, Johnson and Madson family reunions.

Above all, Terri treasured her role as a wife, mother, nana, daughter and sister. She is survived by her loving husband, Dan Abbott; her children, Matthew Florence, Kryshel (Jeremiah) Fischer, Shaleah Evans, and Aaron (Alexis) Abbott; and her cherished grandchildren, Brooklyn, Madison, Owen, Logan, Alton, and Freya, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her mother, Avis Madson; siblings, Allen (Dawn) Madson of Niagara, ND; Debbie (John) Watts of Grand Forks, ND; Susan Carlson of Grafton, ND; Jody (Susan) Madson of Grand Forks, ND, and Kristin Hauglid, sponsored sister of Ski, Norway.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Madson; brother, Brent Madson; brother-in-law, Doug Carlson; grandparents, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Terri lived her life with courage, conviction, and unwavering devotion to Christ. She fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Her family rejoices in the assurance that she is now whole, healed, and in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church South Campus in Fargo, ND, on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11am with visitation one hour prior to the service. The service will also be livestreamed.

If desired, memorials may be directed to Valley Christian Counseling or toward planting a memorial tree in her honor through TerraTrees.