11/5/1934 - 12/6/2022
The family of Terry Markle is sad to announce her death on December 6, 2022 in Pleasanton, CA at 88 years of age. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years Dave, her daughter Theresa, her son-in-law Kenneth Garrett, her brother Frank (Beverley) Kehoe, and her sister Betty (Howard) Faulkner. She will also be missed by Dave's sisters Valerie Bishop and Liz (Michael) Hannan. Her 14 nieces and nephews and 31 great-nieces and nephews were also an important part of her life. Even though Terry and Dave lived most of their 61 years together in the USA, they did not let the geographical distance affect their connection to family in Canada. Terry was predeceased by her parents (Charles and Elizabeth Kehoe), brother Pat Kehoe and his wife Maxine and her nephews Scott Hannan and Patrick Faulkner.
Terry attended the University of Alberta, where she majored in Psychology, acted in theater productions and was the Vice-President of the Student Council. She later received her Master's degree from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her love of theater stayed with her in Connecticut, where she indulged in on- and off-Broadway plays and musicals to her heart's content. Her other passion was travel, a pastime she loved to share with family and friends. She delighted in learning about different cultures and avidly explored many countries, including China, Vietnam, Greece, Turkey, Mexico and Costa Rica. Her adventurousness included eating and cooking foods from around the globe - her Chinese dinner parties were legendary.
Terry devoted her work life to helping those who could not advocate for themselves. She became the Executive Director of STAR, a large multi-service facility for the developmentally disabled, in Norwalk, Connecticut. In Norwalk, she also served as Chairman of The Mayor's Committee on the Handicapped, was involved in creating the city's first homeless shelter, and implemented a nutrition program for the elderly in the region. Later, in California, she served as the Executive Director of Tri-Aegis and Greater Opportunities, again supporting and empowering the developmentally disabled community. Her commitment to non-profits included serving on several boards, including the Community Breast Health Project, dedicated to helping people diagnosed with breast cancer - a disease she and her daughter both conquered. She was passionate, tireless and successful in her fights for people less fortunate.
For those she has left behind, it is her humor, laughter and love that will be missed the most. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 16th at 3:00pm at St. Albert Parish, 7 St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert. Donations may be made in Terry’s memory to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.
