"Mom", I can't even find the words to describe the deep sense of loss I feel. To me, you were and will always be "mom." We were not related by blood or anything. I first met you in my junior year of high school, a scared, struggling 15 yr old kid with a somewhat troubled home life. As a matter of fact, I failed your class. It was my first F  but somehow I held no resentment towards you. Actually, we ended up striking a friendship that would change the course of my life. You made me retake my social studies Regent's exam because I had failed by 5 points and had not done the essay portion. You said, "I don't understand. You're such a prolific writer. Listen, anyone who can write a book report on Moby Dick and get an A without having read the book, you're a superstar to get an A from Mr.s Mathews. You will take the social studies Regent's exam again and you will pass it. I have faith in you!" Thus began a lifelong relationship that went from teacher, to mentor, to friend and ultimately, family. In many ways, you and "Pops" were my parents and I loved you as such. You saw something in this struggling kid and the greatest gift you gave me, aside from your love, is your unwavering belief that I could be someone. For that, I am eternally grateful. I will love and miss you and "Pops" forever. Though my heart is broken, I am comforted in knowing you are together again. Until we meet again, I will hold you both in my heart, always!
Love, Alma

I always remembered you and the wonderful conversations we had about History. You were my favorite teacher in my years at Newtown H.S.
I was so glad to see you again and to meet your husband a few years ago in on one of my trips to NY.
R.I.P. Miss Bergamine
Frank J. Vargas, Jr.  '65

Upon hearing of her passing, I immediately recalled the message she wrote in my yearbook because it summed up our student-teacher friendship perfectly. Her kindness was always apparent... from your first introduction you knew she was going to really care. And she did care, about people and animals. Memories of both Terri and John are strong ones, enough to remember almost 50 years later.

Mrs. Pouymari was one of the warmest and most personable teachers at Newtown in my day (74-77). In my senior year I did service in the guidance counselors suite. She was in there with a few other of my favorite teachers, helping kids make decisions about their next steps after high school. She was the perfect person to do this as she was a great listener. We would talk a lot when it was slow. We shared a great love of animals, especially cats, and had lots of stories and concerns in that area. I had her husband John for Economics, which was a hard subject for me, but he was understanding and helped me break through the wall and I did ok. Her words in my yearbook were sweet: "It's been a pleasure knowing you. Good luck in all that you do, especially caring for cats." I graduated in 77 and haven't seen her since. I hope she and John had a great life together.

She was a kind wonderful woman. It was a pleasure getting to know her and John when i was student and then a colleague. May they both rest in peace in each others arms

Today is Terri’s 85th Birthday! Terri has been my sister-in-law since what seems forever. She’s really my sister. Terri kept an eye on us all; was so very loving. Her niece, Jax was crazy about her. And she was so loving and accepting of Dawn, with John calling her their ‘other sister’.  It’s a really hard day, with the only consolation being that she is away, at peace, and with John.  I always wanted a sister and Terri was it; she’d known me since Newtown Highschool, where they met. She and John were married 51 years. Also, she was so very accomplished. For 55yrs she was a NYC Public School teacher and top exec at the Auburndale Civics  Association in Queens. She even has a commendation from NY Attorney General, Latisha James. She also silently aided so many students, always helping with their education and travel. 
And she was devoted. I lost a child at birth in ’81, Terri & John were by my bedside. I was in a fire in ’91, burned 40% and Terri and John were by my bedside; always always there for Jax in any and every way they could, especially her education and religious instruction. I can’t remember a time when Terri wasn’t there…my sister.   Many long, tearfilled talks on the phone about children and an emptiness she always felt, with her faith getting her through. I adore Terri; no one in my life has ever been there for me in that way.  
Sometimes you don’t tell people how much they mean to you when they are alive.  Both John and Terri were those people for me.  It’s quite overwhelming being the only one left from that group.
Terri was a deeply spiritual woman, committed to the Carmelite Order. And, of course, she adored animals, especially cats, rescued so many and, per her wishes, the ashes of 18 will be buried with her, which would make her smile.
Terri brought such warmth, unselfish kindness, beauty and devotion into every day. She will be so very missed. Love you so much and miss you Terri, but happy you are finally at peace and in John’s arms again…xo

My Johnny - he was going to be a cowboy - with his Davey Cricket hat…I can see him now…he was so proud of his holster and hat

John, Terri, Carlos, Carlos Mom, Terri Mom Elenor.

John, Carlos, Terri - 
John has known Carlos since St John’s Univ days -

Auburndale Civics Association commemorates Terri’s years of service...

The wedding…Claire, Alma, Terri, John, Carlos, Pete Engel...

Auburndale Civic Association comemorates Terri’s years of dedicated work.

Our little family…Dawn, John, Claire, Terri, Jax…and a lovely time was always had by all…

John ordered those peach-color flowers for their Honeymoon suite and got them every years after…

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Edith M. Pouymari

17 avril 1940 – 13 avril 2025

Frederick Funeral Home

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