Tessa Lepper

Tessa Lepper (nee Morelli) passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025 after a short and intense illness. She is survived by Gary, her devoted husband of 59 years, daughters Meghan and Caitlin (Steve), and her grandchildren Abby, Emily, Saskia and Isaac.

Born in Brisbane, Australia, Tessa immigrated with her family to Pasadena when she was six years old (many years later she saw the transport ship amid the “mothball fleet” anchored near Suisun). Her family settled in an attractive mid-century-modern house in Pasadena, just above the Rose Bowl. After Mayfield Senior High School, she enrolled in Stanford University. Strikingly beautiful, she was chosen Sophomore Queen in 1962. In the spring of 1964, she graduated with a BA in English.

Shortly after her graduation, a mutual Stanford friend asked Gary to invite a date to his private box at the Hollywood Bowl. Gary summoned the courage to ask Tessa. That was the last date for both of them. They married in June of 1966. After Gary’s two years in the Army, they moved to Contra Costa County, where Tessa became a teacher and they started their family.

A very gifted teacher, Tessa taught middle and high school. She served on the Walnut Creek School Board, was an integral part of the development of the Walnut Creek Youth Educator program and was a prominent supporter of initiatives to fund Walnut Creek’s middle and high schools.

She was passionate about nature, a love she shared through her work as the Educational Coordinator at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum and her pursuit of local archaeology, taxidermy and anthropology activities. She had a vast knowledge of local flora and fauna, tidbits which she could frequently be overheard imparting to her beloved grandchildren.

She learned to ski, golf and play bridge. Gary and she traveled extensively throughout Europe, central and southern Africa, and Egypt; they cruised up the Amazon River to Machu Pichu, thoroughly explored European rivers as well as the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas; she also joined her daughter Caitlin in Ecuador and on the Galapagos Islands.

She was a gracious and welcoming hostess, and a deeply embedded member of the community. She enjoyed serving diverse dinners at home, and at her properties in Napa, Maui and Utah –including a Downton Abbey themed event, a “When I’m 64” backyard party, all-night New Year’s Eve party and a variety of book, garden and country club lunches.

Her treasured array of souvenirs and collectibles in her home of 49 years adorned the walls and glass display cases. They reflected her eclectic interests and travels. She could recount stories about each.

Tessa will be greatly missed by her many friends and family, and the community into which she poured her energy and heart for so many decades. Her spirit, generosity, beautiful smile, and unusual humility were a blessing to all who had the privilege to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tessa’s honor can be made to the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation: https://www.wcosf.org/about/donate.html. Or checks to: Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation, PO Box 309, Walnut Creek, CA 94597