Terri was born on July 5, 1954 in Lambert MS to Edna (White) and David Kennedy. Much of her youth was spent in the Chicago area. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Schenectady NY in 1972, Adirondack Community College in 1975, and ultimately earned her Bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph College of Maine.
She began her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady NY, also worked at Berkshire Medical Center in Massachusetts, and ended her career at William Backus Hospital in Norwich. Her experiences included OB-GYN, pediatrics, Med/Surg and IV therapy. The later years of her nursing career were in leadership positions. After her diagnosis, she continued teaching and encouraging the healthcare professionals who cared for her. She truly loved her vocation.
From 1986 to 2007 she chaired the ‘Create a Dream’ program in the Berkshires, providing holiday gifts and meals for over one hundred needy families in her community every year. Her efforts earned her The Service Award from the Salvation Army, the Service Before Self Award from the Rotary and Gladys Brigham award from Berkshire Health Systems.
In 1978, Terri married Eric Biss in Schenectady NY and they were blessed with two children; Derek of Arlington VA and Ashley of Marlborough MA. In addition to them she is survived by her Kennedy brothers Garry (Cindy) of Schenectady, Jim (Sally) of North Carolina, Kenneth (Robyn) of Florida and Carey (Tawnya) of Massachusetts. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Vicki Dillon of Michigan, several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins as well as many dear friends who provided much comfort and support during her long battle.
She and her family would like to thank Doctors Renuka Dulala, Vincent Ho of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and David Steensma of Brigham & Women’s Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care. Special thanks also go to the staffs at Backus Hospital and at Brigham and Women’s, as well as the anonymous stem cell donor for her transplant.
Calling hours will be Friday from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT 06360. Services will be at the funeral home Saturday at 11am with Sister Rita Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Colchester.
Those wishing to make a contribution in Terri’s memory are asked to consider the Jimmy Fund or Hospice of Southeast CT through the funeral home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.churchandallen.com.
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