Sharon Eileen Terry

Sharon Eileen Terry, 69, of Oneonta, New York went to eternal, peaceful rest on April 3, 2024. Her final moments were spent surrounded by family. Born in Binghamton, New York, on April 18, 1954, she grew up in Hunter-Tannersville, NY. She was predeceased in death by her parents Howard and Mary Bolte and sister, Anne Elizabeth “Beth” Conlan.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Charles G. Terry IV “Guil”, daughter Carrie Neary (Edward) of Burnt Hills, New York, son Scott Terry of Cooperstown, New York, sisters Kathy Carlson (Eric) of Catskill, New York, Lori Woodworth (late husband Duane) of Boonville, New York, Michelle Freehafer (Peter) of Cherry Valley, New York, and Andrea Macy (John) of Saratoga Springs, New York. She was a proud grandmother and she cherished her time with Reeghan, Ella, Shaelyn, and Myles with all her heart. She adored her large extended family and friends.

Growing up, she was the eldest of six sisters and deemed the family historian of sorts. Sharon could always be counted on to finish the “remember when” stories. When she attended the annual sisters’ day, her keen sense of humor lightened the atmosphere. Although the location and theme may have changed each year, the goals always remained the same - spend time reminiscing, cooking and laughing. The memories from those special times will live on in photographs that will be cherished by her sisters always.

Sharon graduated from Hunter-Tannersville High School in Tannersville, NY in 1972. She was a proficient flautist and performed as an accomplished solo singer numerous times. Sharon developed a love of science, particularly as it relates to the earth and weather. Her passion for science and learning led her to The State University of Oneonta. Here, Sharon met her husband Guil.

Sharon and Guil settled in the Oneonta/Milford area and raised their two children. Sharon worked at the Upstate Home for Adults and Children, The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, and Hartwick College. She is most remembered for her intelligence, kindness and humor. Sharon ended her career working as an SLS Keyboard Specialist in the Library Media Center with Boces of Northern Catskills and Otsego County.

Sharon had an extraordinary vision of interior and exterior design with both color and structure. She worked with her husband on many housing and landscaping projects over the years. Sharon also had a passion for cooking. Ina Garten, although one of her favorite chefs, was no match for Sharon in the kitchen. A gifted cook, Sharon could pull off an ambitious neighborhood holiday party or a simple dinner party.

Designing homes and cooking incredible dishes were only some of Sharon’s talents. You could also find her enjoying a night out dancing to the tunes of many local musicians, one of her favorite groups being the Rubber Band and Ernie Williams & the Wildcats. Sharon’s other hobbies included sewing, looming, gardening, tennis, biking, running, fishing, camping, cross country skiing, watching her favorite sports teams and of course - her Red Sox. Composing and sharing thoughtful and witty messages and pictures with her loved ones were also things that Sharon loved to do.

Spending time with her children and grandchildren is what Sharon said “made the world go round,” “made her heart soar,” and provided her “laughter and light.” She was an avid supporter of her family. Sharon was always on the sidelines, eagerly cheering and proudly clapping as they performed on courts, fields, and stages. These were the moments that Sharon deemed “off the richter scale” at providing enjoyment. Grandma could always be counted on to be the absolute best ‘back scratcher’ and playmate. She was known for her special tote bag or ‘bin of fun' that included cool books, card games, knitting and sewing items, puzzles, board games, and endless science experiments and crafts. Sharon would happily impart her love for teaching, learning, and creating in so many ways.

Sharon appreciated the profound beauty of nature. She treasured her gorgeous property filled with artfully landscaped gardens, babbling streams, and stocked ponds. These are complemented by the skillfully designed stonewalls created by her husband along with the forever wild fields and forest. Daily walks with her beloved dogs on her self-made pathways around her property and sitting out on her patio or by her ponds provided the best backdrops for Sharon to enjoy the majestic sounds and sights of all things nature.

Trips to the Adirondacks and New England Coast with her husband and family always provided cherished moments and memories with those Sharon loved most. She loved the beauty of sunrises and sunsets. She often pointed out the phases of the moons and the constellations in the sky. She loved all things earth, weather, and water related. You always knew the upcoming weather forecast and the schedule of high and low tides so that it could set the stage for perfect fishing opportunities, beach time, and the best moments to simply get cozy and enjoy quiet time. An “epic” or “stellar” day included dipping your toes in the salty water, taking walks in the marshes with her dogs and grandchildren, listening to music, playing cards and board games, recounting the day's events, enjoying delicious food, listening to music, and lots and lots of storytelling and laughter.

We “love you to the moon and back” and we will find peace and comfort from your imparted words that “empty space and quietness are not easy, but will fill your heart with success and proudness.”

A private celebration of her life will be held for immediate family at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following organizations: https://superheroeshs.org/donate/

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