Judith A. Terry

Judith Arlene Terry 86, passed away very peacefully with her family at her bedside on March 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. Her life was marked by resilience, love, and a deep connection to family and community.

She was born on January 29,1938, at Mather Hospital, NY. Daughter of Joseph Julius Meier and Beulah Davis Meier Terry, Holtsville, NY. Judith and her two sisters were adopted by Millard Gilbert Terry in 1948, creating a close- knit family bond that would shape her journey.

Judith’s lineage included her grandparents, Raleigh J Davis (1884-1918) and Ethel C Archer-Weil (1892-1969). Among her siblings John S. Meier born 1926, died 1935; sister Garnet Marshall, deceased spouse Jack Marshall, Smithtown, NY; sister Virginia Meyer and spouse William Meyer both deceased Bayport, NY; and half-brother Bruce Terry and Cheryl Terry, of Raleigh NC. Her sibling’s families filled her life with love and provided many nieces and nephews.

Judith grew up on a chicken farm in Holtsville, Long Island, New York. Judith’s childhood was filled with joys of nature, creating havoc to her siblings with her overzealous love for animals. Judith had horses, a rooster which she trained to go after her two sisters on command, dogs, and cats. Her love for the great outdoors blossomed during those formative years. She fearlessly tackled any task, embodying a spirit of determination and curiosity.
After graduating high school, she attended Molloy College, Long Island, NY where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, later specializing in psychiatric care. Her career led her to Western Massachusetts, where she obtained her master’s degree in nursing management. As the director of nurses at the Northampton State Hospital, she made a lasting impact until her retirement in 1984.
In 1973, Judith married Edward J. Hartland, a West Springfield, Doctor of Chiropractic care. Together, they moved to Lake Damon in Chesterfield, MA. Tragically, Edward passed away in 1981. Later, fate reunited Judith with Howard P. Terry, and they married in 1984 on Long Island. Returning to her beloved country home in Chesterfield in 1990, they shared a life rich with love and adventure.

Judith and Howard purchased a Christmas Tree farm called Balsam Acres in Blandford, MA, which Judith continued to run until her passing. Together they had many adventures travelling the United States primarily for hunting trips, spending four to six weeks each year in the Rockies of Montana.

Howard predeceased Judith in 2014, but their legacy continued through their blended family. As the stepmother of Howard’s four children, she embraced her role wholeheartedly. Her stepson, Dr. Howard P. Terry Jr., his wife Bernadette, and their children Howard III and Aimee. Along with her stepdaughter Nancy Ann Conner, her late husband Richard Conner, and their children Ryan and Nate; son Paul W. Terry, his wife Elizabeth (Libby), and their children Michael, Marina and Luke; and son Joseph Patrick Terry who died in 1997 were her cherished family.

Judith was a long serving member of the Town's Planning Board since 1994 and was re-elected every three years since that time. She remained a member of the Chesterfield Planning Board until 2020, with a comprehensive knowledge of zoning and the applicable Massachusetts General Laws. She was instrumental in getting the current Chesterfield Zoning Bylaws written. She served as a member of the Senior Housing Committee since 2008. She was awarded for her efforts as Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. Judy sat as a member for the Board of Directors at the Hilltown Community Development Corporation until 2020. She remained a strong member of the Lake Damon Corporation, Chesterfield Four Seasons Club, Worthington Rod and Gun Club, the Massachusetts Forest Alliance, and the Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association. Judith also sang in the choir at St. Mary’s Church of Our Lady of the Hills Parish.

Judith Arlene Terry’s legacy is one of strength, compassion, and community. May her memory inspire us all to embrace life fully and make a positive impact on the world around us.

CALLING HOURS FOR JUDITH WILL BE HELD AT AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 BRIDGE RD., NORTHAMPTON ON TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024 FROM 4:00 TO 7:00 P.M. FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE AT WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2024 AT 8:45 A.M. FROM THE AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, FOLLOWED BY A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL AT 10:00 A.M. AT OUR LADY OF THE HILLS PARISH, MAIN ST., HAYDENVILLE. Burial will be at a later date in the family plot, at the Cemetery of the Gate of Heaven in Mt. Pleasant, Westchester County, N.Y.

Memorial Contributions in her memory may be made to Our Lady of the Hills Parish, 173 Main St., P.O. Box 277, Haydenville, MA 01039.