Teresa Moya Gilbert, 56, passed away February 15, 2020. She was born December 19, 1963 and grew up in Imlay City, Michigan.
She is survived by her husband, Jay Gilbert of the home; her son, Thomas Ferguson II; mother, Angie Parrish (Kenneth); father, Pedro Moya, Sr; two sisters, Hope Landgraff (Richard) and Angie
Reed (Nick); three brothers, Pedro Moya, Jr. (Rose), Celestino
Moya and Armando Palacios.
Teresa was preceded in death by her brother, Ruben Palacios.
Teresa attended Michigan State University and joined the Army Reserves. While she was in Army medical training, she married Thomas Ferguson and later gave birth to Thomas Ferguson II. Teresa divorced and later married Jay Gilbert to whom she was married for twenty-two years at the time of her passing.
Teresa’s career as a Medical Technologist and Infection Preventionist took her to several Army and VA hospitals, including the Ann Arbor VA Hospital where she was the lead microbiologist. While working, she earned her B.S. degree in Medical Studies. Teresa later worked at the Womack Army Medical Center as the Chief of Infection Prevention and set a record, becoming board certified in Infection Prevention only six months after starting her job, a certification that typically takes many years to achieve.
Teresa discovered a new strain of resistant bacteria and coordinated with the Centers for Disease Control to contain it. She was awarded the 2016 Public Servant of the Year for reporting negligent health care of soldiers and her story as a government whistleblower can be read by googling NY Times/ Teresa Gilbert.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Teresa’s name to the
Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption in Sanford, NC.
