Terry graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1947. She attended Alfred University, where she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, until her marriage.
Terry and Norm raised their two daughters in Wellsville. Terry was an active volunteer at Immaculate Conception Church and School and served as a Girl Scout leader. An accomplished seamstress, she created fashionable ensembles for her daughters and herself.
With Norm’s encouragement, Terry returned to Alfred University in 1968 and graduated cum laude with a BS in Education in 1970. She began teaching special education at Wellsville High School in 1970. At the same time, she pursued graduate studies at SUNY Geneseo. Terry continued to teach at B. O. C. E. S. in Belmont until her retirement. She was an ardent advocate for children with special needs. She helped to organize Special Olympics and Special Arts Festival in Allegany County.
Following retirement, Terry devoted herself to volunteering in the community. She taught reading at Immaculate Conception School, baked blackberry pies for the Fun Fair and served as a hospice volunteer. She was a dedicated Mercy Associate.
Terry embraced high principals in all areas of life. She was passionate about her faith and had a rich prayer life.
She had a keen sense of social justice and was known to be outspoken on current events. She strove to be selfless in fulfilling her roles as wife, mother and teacher. Plus, she always looked great.
Norm was proud of his intelligent wife. He let her do most of the talking. They enjoyed camping, working on their cabin and playing bridge together.
Terry maintained a close relationship with her younger sister Jean. They hunted for bargains and shared the labor of elaborate holiday traditions. The younger generation had trouble keeping up with them.
In addition to her husband, Terry was pre-deceased by her sister and brother-in-law Jean and Jack Carpenter. Surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law: Jo-Ann and Patrick Pugh of Vernon, CT and Margaret and David Ellis of Temple, ME., grandchildren Renee and Michael Washburn of Vernon, CT, Gregory Pugh and fiancée Jessica Davis of Omaha, NE and Andrew Ellis of Temple, ME. She had one great-grandson, Jonah Washburn of Vernon, CT. In addition, she had two nieces, one nephew and four great-nieces.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, (May 29, 2016) from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial tribute will follow the visitation a 3:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. Please consider donations to Special Olympics or Immaculate Conception School.
God rest your sweet soul and comfort your loved ones left behind... you were a blessing in my life <3
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