The beloved Teresa "Terri" Cooley passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, in Cobalt, Connecticut. Born and raised in Meriden, CT, Terri was the cherished daughter of the late Robert J. and Catherine M. Cooley. She is survived by her much-loved son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Rosie Hardin; her brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Betty Cooley of Portland, CT, and Philip and Diane Cooley of Alpharetta, GA; and her nieces and nephews, Olivia, Cassidy, Emily, Jenna, and Benjamin Cooley. She also leaves behind her former husband, Fred Hardin. Terri was predeceased by her dear sister, Jenifer E. Cooley, and her aunt Sister Teresa Monaghan.

A 1976 graduate of St. Rose School, Terri then graduated from Maloney High School in 1980 and Bryant University in 1984. She then moved to Atlanta, where she embarked on a long and successful career in sales for GE Lighting. It was there in Georgia that she also lovingly raised her son, of whom she was so proud. In her retirement, Terri was thrilled to return to her Connecticut roots and reconnect with her dear friends from the old Tanglewood neighborhood.

A stage 3 cancer survivor, Terri will be remembered by all who knew her for her bubbly and generous personality. She was a music and musical lover, a voracious reader, a wonderful cookie baker, a passionate gift giver, goofy joke teller, and someone who truly valued connection. She enjoyed traveling to meet up with her many circles of friends and was never without a new game to bring family and friends together. She loved sunrises by Lake Pocotopaug with her dogs and neighbors and was a proud and vocal fan of her son’s music.

Memorial donations may be made in Terri's memory to the “In A Heartbeat” Foundation of Wallingford, Connecticut. Donate with the link below: 

https://inaheartbeat.networkf…

The celebration of life will include music, memory sharing, photos, and food at the Portland First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. The ceremony is on March 1, 2025 at Noon. The address is 554 Main Street Portland, CT.

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