"I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May you find comfort from your memories, as well as the comfort found in God's word the bible. Romans 5:12 says, "That is why, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." How loving of God to promise what is found at Revelation 21:4 which says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." "
In loving memory of
Terttu Crispino
February 28, 1930 - September 10, 2013
The Story of Terry....a Life Well-Lived
Terttu Tellarvo Paananen was born at a Bronx hospital on February 28, 1930 to Julius and Signe Marie Paananen. Her parents, humble Finnish immigrants, worked hard to eke out an existence in the States, striving to make a better life with the opportunity they had been given.
Saving up money from jobs as a domestic servant and carpenter, Terttu's parents bought a plot of land on Long Island. There they lived, in a tar paper shack, while Julius, with the help of his fellow Finns, slowly built their house from the ground up. As a testament to the workmanship, this house still stands today.
Wanting to get away from the cold northern winters, the Paananen trio packed up all they could fit into their car and headed south for warmer climes when Terttu was 16. They continued their life in sunny South Florida where Terttu, now called Terry, finished high school, became a "Kelly Girl," and worked as an information operator for the telephone company.
In 1957, when Terry was 28, she went to a "dance hall" on Miami Beach with some girlfriends for an evening of music, dancing, and fun. It was here that she met Eugene, when he asked her to dance. It took several attempts to get her to agree but, when she finally did, a new path had been created for both of them. They married quickly....June of that same year....and began a life of husband and wife; one that would last for over 56 years.
During this time, they would buy and sell homes, raise three children, take vacations, buy and sell investment properties, enjoy friendships and family, celebrate marriages and grandbabies, mourn divorces and deaths. They would laugh and talk, discuss and debate, and even get into a hot-tempered exchange of words now and again.
Through it all, one thing remained constant between Eugene and Terry, and that was unconditional love and acceptance.
In the end, Terry was surrounded, both literally and figuratively, by her family. She was showered with the same unconditional love and acceptance she so generously gave others and her passing from this world to the next was what is referred to as 'a good death.'
Her sweet disposition touched the hearts of many: From her pharmacist and physician to the friends in her 50-year-pinochle group. From her best friend Gladys to her extended family of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
While she will be sorely missed, the loving and joyful memory of Terry lives on in her family....
Husband, (and lover!): Eugene (aka Gene C.)
Son, Dan and his family: wife, Terry; children, Danny, Nicky, and Carly
Daughter, Denise and her family: husband, Rick; children, Justin and Jessica
Daughter, Doreen and her family: children, Tony, Kaelan, and Cassi
To honor Terry's undeniable spirit and zest for life, we ask that you add a splash (or more!) of peach, rose, or aqua to your attire for the service.
Celebration of Life Reception to follow service at Fred Hunter Reception Center.
In lieu of flowers, we would like to request your donation in our mother's memory to either Autism Speaks or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, at the links below. Thank you very much.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/?utm_source=autismspeaks.org&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=primarymenu
http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD
Tributes
"I've been extremely fortunate to have Grandma play such a large part in my life growing up. She was always there to watch me during my music recitals and other school events, and was even able to support me during my graduation. I always enjoyed the meals that she prepared for us during the holidays, and the company that she brought to each one of us. Thank you for always being there for me, Grandma.
Your Grandson,
Nicky"
"What I remember the most about grandma is when she always showed up to any school event of mine. It was wonderful that she was always there to support me.
From Your Granddaughter,
Carly"
"I am lucky to have grown up just five minutes away from my grandma throughout my entire childhood. Some of my best memories were at grandma's house, enjoying her great food and even better company. I could always look forward to an ice-cold Yoo-hoo waiting for me in the fridge! Grandma, I will miss you and always love you....thanks for being such an amazing grandma -- Love, Danny Jr."
"Aunt Terry was always a beautiful person inside and out. She was soft spoken and good natured. I always enjoyed family get togethers and having a chance to spend time talking with her. Aunt Terry, I will miss you, your subtle humor, your love of family.........Linda"
"My mother-in-law had a little sign on her bedroom wall that said "Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them." That epitomized who and what she was - "always soft and sweet". Without a doubt - she was the Gold Standard in mother-in-laws. I will always love you, my Big Terry from your Little Terry."
"I am fortunate to have known Mrs. C for 40 years. For me, she was the epitome of what an all-American Mom was. Her home always smelled of beef stew, was filled with the BEST junk food, and she was ALWAYS there. My most cherished memory of her was when she spoke of a midget marrying a 6 foot tall woman.... she floored me!!! I see where Doreen gets her humor from! I think I might have given her angst coming home with Doreen at sunrise many weekends. But she was always wonderful to me inspite of all mine and Doreen's antics! I remember her being a loving and caring daughter to her father as well. She has three children who adore her. That speaks volumes on the woman she was. Mrs. C, I miss you already. Sending love to Mr. C, Doreen, Dan, and Denise....and her cherished grandchildren. "
"from Kaelan, 7th grandchild: I remember whenever Grampa would say something like "I'm going to go take a nap" or "I have to go use the bathroom", Gramma would say: "Eugene, you REALLY don't need to tell us about that!""
"from Cassi, 8th (last) grandchild: Grandma LOVED her soap operas! She would never miss a single one. It was nice hearing her talk so enthusiastically about them."
"from Tony, 1st grandchild: Every time the family got together, no matter who was there, Grandma always brought a warm feeling to the party. Spirited and happy-go-lucky. She was very upbeat, on her feet, and caring."