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In memory of
Theresa "Terry" M. Wooster
September 8, 1935 - September 17, 2020
Sep 8, 1935 - Sep 17, 2020
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Terry's obituary
Her daughters Linda and Sandra were with her on September 9, the first full day she was grieving the loss of her beloved husband of 64 years, Kenneth Wooster, who had died the day before on her birthday. Sadly on that afternoon, Terry suffered a devastating stroke that left no hope for a meaningful recovery.
With the support of medical professionals, and with the utmost of respect and compassion, the heart wrenching decision was made to place her in hospice care. She was surrounded by family and cared for by a dedicated team, and ultimately slipped the fragile bonds of earth eight days later on September 17th.
She was born on September 8, 1935 in Lowell, Massachusetts to John and Josephine (Siara) Cepulinski. In addition to her two daughters Linda Johnson along with her husband Ben, and Sandra Rust along with her husband Bruce, Terry also leaves behind two grandchildren Elliott Johnson along with his wife Kalinna (Rodriguez), and Allison Johnson along with her fiancé Chris Hernandez, two step-grandchildren, Jeffery Rust and Judith Rust, and two great grandchildren, Helena and Theodore Johnson.
Additionally, Terry is survived by her brother Walter Cepulinski along with his wife Priscilla, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was sadly predeceased by her brother Stephen Cepulinski, a Navy veteran, brother John Cepulinski, an Air Force veteran, and her sister Janet Mansur.
Terry grew up close by her grandparents, who immigrated from Poland, and numerous aunts and uncles who joyously celebrated their Polish and Lithuanian heritage, especially at Easter and Christmas. Growing up, Terry was a parishioner of St. Michael Church of Lowell, MA.
Terry’s parents both worked at the Boott textile mills in Lowell, leading to an early introduction to cooking and homemaking skills, as she would come home from school and begin to prepare meals for her family. She worked as a telephone operator before getting married.
On July 7, 1956, Terry married Kenneth Wooster and established her own home. Her husband’s career in sales took them from Chelmsford, MA to Williamsville, NY, Winona, MN, Westfield, NJ, Freeport, IL, Dallas, TX, and eventually back to Westfield, NJ where she resided for the past 33 years.
Terry had a keen interest in and talent for needle arts, beginning with knitting and sewing, including lots of mittens, clothes for her children, tiny clothes for their dolls, and expertly tailored clothes for herself. Later, she spent many years doing various types of embroidery and crafts, creating beautiful works to decorate her home. Terry’s home was always beautifully decorated for every holiday and season, especially Christmas. Throughout the years, she also had an avid interest in collecting antiques, and was a member for many years of Questers, a group dedicated to the enjoyment, history, and preservation of antiques.
Beginning in Freeport, IL in the 1980’s Terry became a member of the philanthropic organization P.E.O. International, a group committed to sponsoring educational opportunities for woman, and continued this membership for many years after moving to Westfield, NJ. She was also a member of the Freeport Garden Club.
Living in Westfield, Terry became a member of the First Baptist Church, where she was beloved by all for her quiet grace. In Pastor Mayra words, “We'll forever cherish Terry's quiet and gentle presence. Someone who was always willing to serve and to be a helpful support. Her smile made us all feel treasured. She so loved her family!”
Terry’s dedication to family was exemplified in her providing year round daycare and after school care for her granddaughter Allison from the age of 2 months until she began school in the Westfield School system. Together with her husband Ken, their involvement with their grandchildren played an influential role in their lives.
These words from Allison so perfectly describe her life well lived:
“Graceful, gentle, loving and kind. The words I think of when I think of you, Grammie. Your home was full of love and always felt warm, cozy and comfortable. I find myself trying to make my home look like yours. You raised two amazing women. Took care of my brother and I when we were growing up and had many joyful moments with your great grandchildren. Your marriage to Grandpa is what I dream of having. Married to your love for 64 years. The life you built together is a dream that I wish for. I'm so happy you saw me and Chris get engaged and you were so happy watching the video and you loved our apartment so much. I'm already thinking about your favorite flowers for my bouquet when I get married. And I know you and Grandpa will be with me at my wedding. Grammie your love for your family was the foundation for all of us. Every memory with you is filled with love. Everything about you was love. And I loved you so much. Its hurts deeply that you are no longer with us but I know you are with Grandpa. And that is where you belong. Right next to the love of your life. Grammie was a worrier and she always worried about all of us. But we are all ok and taken care of. And that is because of you Grammie. I love you Grammie. Till we meet again.”
The sadness and shock of losing our father and our mother in such a short time has been overwhelming, but together with family, friends, and faith we are getting through and will come out on the other side. In grandson Elliott Johnson’s words:
“Life can be measured in moments and memories.
I am honored to have plenty of both with my grandparents. After a lifetime together, the best of wives and women and the most excellent man are now in the full presence of the LORD whom they loved the most.
I love you and I miss you both but as the classic hymn says:
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
See you in the Resurrection.”
We love you, we will miss you forever, and we know we will never have better chocolate chip cookies or apple pie.
When we remember our Mother, we will think of beauty and grace. Loyalty and love. We will try not to worry. Dad told us many times over the years, “take care of Ma.” We did Dad...we did.
John 3:16
John 10:27-30
Terry and Ken’s ashes will be interred together in the Memorial Garden of the First Baptist Church of Westfield NJ in a private ceremony. Memorial service plans will be announced at a future date.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in Terry’s honor may do so to P.E.O or their charity of choice.
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Terry was a wonderful friend and neighbor. She was lovely 🌹
Terry was a wonderful friend and neighbor. She was lovely 🌹
Terry was a wonderful friend and neighbor. She was lovely 🌹
❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Created with love by
Sandra Rust (Terry's daughter).
