Tessa Maria Kleyn

Dr. Tessa Maria Kleyn (nee Tessa Roberts) was a Tulane University Triple Board trained physician of Pediatrics, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. She was first diagnosed with cervical cancer on her first day of medical school. She enjoyed ten beautiful years of remissions and was diagnosed with recurrent, metastatic cervical cancer unexpectedly only six months after she completed her medical residency and fellowship years in New Orleans. After a lengthy and hard fought battle with the disease, during which time she learned truly how to rely on God, she died peacefully at Springhill Hospital with her husband at her side on 02/25/2021 at the age of 40. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Dr. Emile Kleyn, who honored his wedding vows in loving and caring for her in a way many people never get to experience in their lifetime. She is also survived by her grandmother, Mrs. Juanita Steiner (nee Collins); parents Mr. Andrew (Jr.) and Mrs. Chandra Roberts of Theodore, AL; sister Ms. Andrea Roberts and brother Andrew Roberts III of Theodore AL; nephew Landon Chase and niece Isabelle Maria Grace Lingenfelter “Bella” of Theodore, AL and her two pugs, Oliver and Freya Kleyn. She was preceded in death by her dear grandfather Frank Henry Steiner of Theodore, AL and by both of her paternal grandparents Andrew Roberts Sr. and Juanita Roberts of Ohio. Tessa was born on December 02, 1980 in Mobile Alabama to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Roberts Jr. (Chandra). She graduated from Peter F. Alba High School in 1998 and later pursued and was awarded a dual degree in Biology (BS) and Psychology (BA) at the University of South Alabama. During that time at university she met and married her husband Emile in 2008. They entered medical school in 2009 at the University of South Alabama. They graduated in 2013 and she spent her intern year at the University of South Alabama in Categorical Pediatrics before moving to New Orleans to complete the Triple Board training at Tulane. She loved being a doctor, treating underserved patients and especially loved working with the extremes of the age groups, treasuring encounters with her youngest and oldest patients. Taking care of the most vulnerable groups in their time of need gave her a sense of deep fulfillment. Her family and friends were the light of her life. They remember her as a kind, gentle, driven, loyal, caring wife, daughter, sister and friend who encouraged them to pursue their goals and be their best selves. A funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, 03/03/2021 at Serenity Funeral Home with a reception to follow at Serenity Funeral Home’s Reception Hall. Reverend Janie Mallett will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pilots for Christ at PO Box 707, Monroeville, AL 36461. Condolences can be sent to emilekleyn@gmail.com or by mail to 1064 Dickenson Ave, Mobile AL 36609.

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Tessa Maria Kleyn

December 2, 1980 - February 25, 2021