Theresa Katherine Levine

A lifelong Staten Islander, Terry was born to Percival and Katherine Early. She grew up in Tottenville with her two beloved sisters, Rose and Edna. The three sisters were inseparable in their youth, sharing a deep bond and countless joyful memories.

Terry graduated from Tottenville High School and attended Oneonta College. Still unsure of her career path, she eventually returned home, where fate brought her to Brian. They fell in love and married in 1979. Together they raised two daughters whom Terry cherished with all her heart.

Encouraged by Brian—an educated man and attorney who believed deeply in her potential—Terry returned to school. She attended the College of Staten Island, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She went on to serve as an RN in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at RUMC, where she cared for critically ill patients with compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication. Nursing became her true calling. After 36 years of service at the same hospital, Terry retired in 2018.

Beyond her career, Terry poured her heart into the Girl Scouts of America, an organization she loved and supported wholeheartedly.

An independent and free-spirited person, Terry found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spontaneous drives to upstate New York, especially trips to Oneonta and Cooperstown. She enjoyed spending full, blissful days on the beach at Long Beach Island. Comfortable in her own company, Terry delighted in nature, was an avid bird watcher, and had a lifelong love for animals—with a special fondness for cats.

Terry cherished holiday traditions. She loved baking Christmas cookies and preparing Easter egg activities.

Her life centered around her family and her work as a nurse. Terry was a simple, uncomplicated soul in the very best sense—joyful, gracious, funny, and full of laughter. She carried a childlike wonder that made the world feel brighter.

Above all, there is one truth that defined her life: Terry loved life.