Grace Terry

Grace Terry of Interlaken passed away at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the age of 94.

Grace was born on March 26, 1923 in Fabius, the daughter of the late Raymond and Effa (Woodford) Ike. Raised on a farm, she learned from her parents the value of hard work and grew into a natural nurturer. Being the eldest daughter, she helped raise her 11 siblings. She met her husband, Donald Terry at a country square dance and they were married on December 30, 1944.

With the strength of a saint and a swift shoe, she raised eight children of her own, six boys and two girls. There was always room at Grace’s house and in her heart. She took care of many neighborhood children, and as they said, “They filled the school bus at Grace’s!”. Her mothering soul certainly was not limited, and her home was also open to stray dogs found wandering up Seneca Rd. Her willingness to lend a hand was noted by many in the community, and even led to her renowned wallpapering business!

An incredible cook, her table brought together many for Saturday spaghetti dinners, and was the base camp for meals all throughout hunting season. Her macaroni and cheese was eagerly awaited for at all gatherings, and enthusiastically praised by all her grandchildren.

Grace’s front porch was her favorite place to sit and watch hummingbirds. She enjoyed tending her gardens and knew all the flowers to bring in the butterflies, and her beloved hummingbirds. Her highlight of the summer season was picking wild strawberries to share with her family.

Her unconditional love and kindness will be greatly missed. Her stories, her lessons, and her recipes will be treasured.
Grace is survived by seven children, Carol Snedeker, Raymond (Sue) Terry, David (Janie) Terry, Allan Terry, Bruce (Kathy) Terry, Paul (Brigid) Terry, and Kevin Terry; son in law, George MacCheyne; 19 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; six siblings, Lelia Terry, RC (Darlene) Ike, Richard “Nick” Ike, Rhea Ike, Roy “Joe” (Connie) Ike, and Della (Paul) Nelson; uncle, Israel Woodford; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Terry; daughter, Eileen MacCheyne; brothers, Jerry, Owen, and Russell Ike; and sisters, June Hendrix and Illa Reynolds.

The family will be present to receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00pm on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, February 26, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family asks those to kindly consider making a contribution in Grace’s memory to the Lodi Fire Department, PO Box 299, Lodi, NY 14860 or the Seneca County Office of the Aging, 1 DiPronio, Drive, Waterloo, NY 13165.