UPDATE
Donation protected
Update
As I’m finishing settling Terry’s affairs and unpacking/organizing her most treasured belongings, I am thinking of her long hard struggle during the last half of her life. Although it was a struggle unknown to some, it was made easier by those of you who knew and who reached out to check on her or helped in monetary ways with her beloved cat’s bills, her furry and only companions.
Thank you to each and every one of you. Martha, Becky, Madeleine, and so many more, too many to name. Your kindness and friendship meant everything to her, especially after the estrangement from her family and the loss of her mother.
I have not yet had the courage to open the box that contains her remains. It sits in a special place surrounded by artifacts and spiritual symbols she found comfort in, as Terry grew into a woman steeped in faith. She had a gift of seeing and acknowledging the highest good and growth in others. My children were her nieces and nephews and she followed their growth and accomplishments from afar. And then my first grandchild arrived, Artemisa! Great Aunt Terry was over the moon and we all sent her daily updates and photos, what she liked to call, “hot off the press!” All the while being bedbound, she developed strong ties to that little wonder she would call “our baby.”
We will always refer to Terry as my sister and also, “Aunt Terry,” keeping her spirit alive and always ministering. I don’t know what lies ahead in terms of a memorial or celebration. She didn't even want an obituary published, so I will have to think long and hard as to what’s to come. In the meantime, please accept my deepest gratitude for all your support, both through your words, cards and contributions.
Mary Theresa Griffey, my soul sister, may you rest in eternal peace. ♥️
(Original text for fundraiser)
In 2021, Terry asked me to be the executor of her will and I refused. Living in Vermont, I didn’t think there was any way I could get time off work or afford the costs involved. So I told her she just needed to keep working on improving her health outcomes and to stay alive. We both had an awkward but good laugh about it and the conversation ended. Two weeks later, I received papers to sign and have notarized, which included Power of Atty. This is the epitome of Terry’s ability to make things happen. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. And she created extraordinary friendships and alliances because of it. It is with deep regret and sadness that I announce that Terry’s end of life transition has finally come to pass. She died suddenly from respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. She has struggled for many years with congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, asthma and diabetes, to name but a few of her serious medical conditions. 3 years ago she sustained a fall that resulted in her being bed bound ever since. Terry had been working diligently with multiple practitioners to get better and had real hope she would walk again. Regrettably for those of us who love her, God had other plans. I have been in her home the past two weeks attending to her requests and affairs, including her cremation, outstanding bills, her belongings and her companion cat, Fuzzy Butt. Terry had no resources for any of this and so I am asking for donations to help. Details about a celebration of life may be announced later in the year. In the meantime, thank you in advance for any donation you can afford and please consider sharing this link with others. Although Terry struggled greatly over the years, she received much comfort by her many friends who reached out with a thoughtful card, meaningful prayers and words of encouragement. Terry’s intelligence, quick wit, deeply caring nature, fortitude and immense spiritual wisdom touched countless lives. May she rest in eternal peace. Now and forever.
As I’m finishing settling Terry’s affairs and unpacking/organizing her most treasured belongings, I am thinking of her long hard struggle during the last half of her life. Although it was a struggle unknown to some, it was made easier by those of you who knew and who reached out to check on her or helped in monetary ways with her beloved cat’s bills, her furry and only companions.
Thank you to each and every one of you. Martha, Becky, Madeleine, and so many more, too many to name. Your kindness and friendship meant everything to her, especially after the estrangement from her family and the loss of her mother.
I have not yet had the courage to open the box that contains her remains. It sits in a special place surrounded by artifacts and spiritual symbols she found comfort in, as Terry grew into a woman steeped in faith. She had a gift of seeing and acknowledging the highest good and growth in others. My children were her nieces and nephews and she followed their growth and accomplishments from afar. And then my first grandchild arrived, Artemisa! Great Aunt Terry was over the moon and we all sent her daily updates and photos, what she liked to call, “hot off the press!” All the while being bedbound, she developed strong ties to that little wonder she would call “our baby.”
We will always refer to Terry as my sister and also, “Aunt Terry,” keeping her spirit alive and always ministering. I don’t know what lies ahead in terms of a memorial or celebration. She didn't even want an obituary published, so I will have to think long and hard as to what’s to come. In the meantime, please accept my deepest gratitude for all your support, both through your words, cards and contributions.
Mary Theresa Griffey, my soul sister, may you rest in eternal peace. ♥️
(Original text for fundraiser)
In 2021, Terry asked me to be the executor of her will and I refused. Living in Vermont, I didn’t think there was any way I could get time off work or afford the costs involved. So I told her she just needed to keep working on improving her health outcomes and to stay alive. We both had an awkward but good laugh about it and the conversation ended. Two weeks later, I received papers to sign and have notarized, which included Power of Atty. This is the epitome of Terry’s ability to make things happen. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. And she created extraordinary friendships and alliances because of it. It is with deep regret and sadness that I announce that Terry’s end of life transition has finally come to pass. She died suddenly from respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. She has struggled for many years with congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, asthma and diabetes, to name but a few of her serious medical conditions. 3 years ago she sustained a fall that resulted in her being bed bound ever since. Terry had been working diligently with multiple practitioners to get better and had real hope she would walk again. Regrettably for those of us who love her, God had other plans. I have been in her home the past two weeks attending to her requests and affairs, including her cremation, outstanding bills, her belongings and her companion cat, Fuzzy Butt. Terry had no resources for any of this and so I am asking for donations to help. Details about a celebration of life may be announced later in the year. In the meantime, thank you in advance for any donation you can afford and please consider sharing this link with others. Although Terry struggled greatly over the years, she received much comfort by her many friends who reached out with a thoughtful card, meaningful prayers and words of encouragement. Terry’s intelligence, quick wit, deeply caring nature, fortitude and immense spiritual wisdom touched countless lives. May she rest in eternal peace. Now and forever.
Organizer
Adele Nicols
Organizer
South Burlington, VT