- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Theresa McKinley
Terry’s motto was family first. She was her family’s savior when needs arose and the glue that kept them together. Nephew, Wally, was taken in as a third son and niece, Lisa had her own room always open for visits and fit for a queen. She loved traveling to Florida and Ireland with best friend and husband, Pat and weekends in Asbury Park with sisters, Joanne and Denise. A promise to be a stay at home mom lured Terry away from South Jersey to Connecticut. But she couldn’t stay home and took a job with the local school. Actually, truth be told, the position gave the family health care benefits, but Terry fell in love with the job and the kids with her. She was known as the hat lady: she wore a different hat each day for their amusement.
Sundays she got dinner started early then settled down to watch football. Even though they lived in Patriots country she remained loyal to the Eagles except if Joe Montana was playing.
Terry ran the stock room at Metrologic Instruments in Bellmawr and did such a fantastic job that Patrick became more than impressed. Soon he asked her out and they have been together for 30 years. They were blessed with sons: Steven Miller and Joseph McKinley. Survivors include a brother, Wally Dobbins, sisters, Joanne and Denise Dobbins and nieces and nephews: Lisa Klidzia, Stephanie Ortholf, Wally Dobbins, Megan Dobbins, Patti Dobbins, Brianna and Justin Ortholf and dog companions: Guinness, Cassidy, and Riley.
Come celebrate 57 loving years Wednesday, August 30 from
11a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro where a service will begin at noon.
Donations to Simon Foundation, 120 Rescue Lane, Bloomfield, CT 06002 will be appreciated.
5 Comments
I will miss Terry’s beautiful smile and her humming a happy tune every morning as I walked into the school!
May your family find peace at this difficult time.
Terry and I were best friends from grade school thru senior high school at Deptford. I’ve often looked for her on Facebook through the years and wondered where she was. I’m so happy to learn she lived such a happy life but so saddened to learn she left this earth at such a young age. So many memories I have of us laughing till our sides split, riding her horses, singing to our songs in her front room, our love for Rod Stewart, too many to name. Her dad saying “what the devil!!” when he was exasperated with us. I am so sad I never found her until it was too late. Rest In Peace my friend. I never forgot you and I never will.
I extend my deepest sympathies to Patrick, Joseph and Steven, her entire family, and her friends. It was an honor working with Terry over the past two years. The news has hit very hard, as she and I shared in many moments of laughter with one another. There are so many wonderful memories of Terry that I will cherish.
A special memorial will be dedicated in her honor at Gilead Hill in the coming weeks.
First I’d like to extend my condolences to Terry’s entire family. Terry’s spirit and enthusiasm has always held, and will continue to hold a special place in my heart and in my childhood memories. I couldn’t begin to explain the important and special part that Wally, Kevin, Terry, and Joey played in my early years. Even though now three are gone they will never ever be forgotten.
Terry, Terry Terry, I missed you so very much when you were no longer working at HES. Gilead was blessed to have you. You were such a loving, caring, funny, sassy, entertaining lady. Thanks for all the laughs and conversations. We had many fun times at work and play. I am so sad that I will not see you again but you will always be my flamigo. Every thought of you will bring a smile.
My sincerest condolences to Terry’s family, Pat, Steven and Joe, Lisa and Wally, and her sisters and brother and Mom and nieces and nephews. It was evident how much she loved you all very much, as she would tell us about you often. My prayers are with you all.