Bloomfield: Terry passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY. She was born in Wantagh, NY to the late George and Mary Henninger. She is predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Robert “Bob”, as well as her oldest sister Mary Ann Henninger, and brother George (“Billie”) Henninger. She is survived by her dear sister Sr. Margie “Irene” Henninger, four children; Marlene (James) Leuenberger, Lorraine Schmitt, Paul (Stacy) Schmitt, Carolyn (Charles) Roth; grandchildren Jamie and Elise Leuenberger, Kevin and Kyle Schmitt, Charlie, Ben and Andrew Roth; sister-in-law Evie Branch; nieces Eileen Robillard, Barbara Branch, Brooke (Al Heaney) Henninger, nephews Seth and Brian (Sally) Henninger and several dear cousins.
Terry worked at Xerox where she met Bob, who made the best decision of his life by asking the cute redhead if she needed a ride home from work one day. She also worked at Spare Time Travel in Canandaigua and served her community for many years on the Board of Education for the Honeoye Central School district. In her role as President, she was a fierce advocate of quality education, especially special education services for the district. Terry was also a longtime supporter of the Allens Hill Free Library.
Terry loved spending time with family and friends, whether it be watching wildlife with Bob from their porch rocking chairs, getting lunch with her sister Irene, or entertaining her book club at her home “On Golden Pond”. Ever the consummate hostess, she cooked many wonderful family meals (always with seasonal table linens and dishes, of course); she created warm memories that will be cherished forever. The true matriarch of our family, she will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will take place at 10 am on Friday, February 24th, 2023 at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 8624 Main St. in Honeoye, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Ontario County ARC, 3071 County Complex Dr. Canandaigua, NY 14424 or to The Allens Hill Free Library, 3818 County Rd. 40, Bloomfield, NY 14469. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I met Terry many years ago when I was visiting my mom and went to one of her book club meetings with her – the meeting was at Terry’s house. I’m very happy to say that over those years, Terry and I became friends. Talking with Terry was always fun. No matter what the conversation, I always felt better after I talked with her.
Terry really was a very, very special lady. I won’t forget her.
My wife and I had the luck to know Terry and her family since 1986 when we moved back to Honeoye after the service. Our daughter Shannon and Terry’s daughter Caroline were the best of friends. I saw Terry carry out her duties as the Honeoye Board of Education President with poise, grace and authority many good and bad times during board meetings. As a parent of students in HCS, she always took time to hear a concern out and tried to help with its outcome. As the current HCS BOE President I often think back to how Terry handled a situation and have tried to live up to the standard she set for the position. I ran into Terry in December 2022 at the grocery store and we had a wonderful talk. Catching up on family, life and then we discussed the board. It was a great talk with many examples of support and discourse but they all seemed to end with a good laugh. I hope that Terry knew the influence she had on the way I conduct business with the board. I will miss our talks and her great smile she was a great Lady.
To all of Terry’s Beloved Families and her huge Fanclub of Friends??
Our heartfelt sympathy for Terrry’s passing and the pain you are feeling.
Today’s public schools are in DESPERATE NEED of common sense school board members like Terry. She served the children,parents, everyone at HCS & community extremely well.
I have many, but 2 favorite memories of always-kind Terry are seeing her hand my sons Robb and Aaron Mann their HCS High School Graduation Diplomas along with her loving-joyous-sincere smile. She shared in their and every grad’s success,relief and happiness.Thank You,Terry
My little framed photos of both powerful events always make me smile and recall both evenings with joy!
Kudos to obituary composers who described Terry 100% accurately, and I know you could have written 1 or more books about her
Sincerely,
Robb Mann
Cheryl Alger
Aaron Mann
My heart was saddened to read of Terry’s passing, Terry was a wonderful customer of mine when I worked at Wegmans in Canandaigua. Terry always had a Big Smile, and always had a kind word to say. Her Family was so very important to her and I know you all have holes in your hearts and a real void. Hold onto the special memories you have as I will they will get you through this most difficult time. You all are in my Thoughts and Prayers. Blessings
Carolyn, Chuck and Family: This news truly saddens me. My sincere condolences to all of you. Please know that my heart is with you and I pray that memories bring some comfort.
One of the greatest honors I shall always cherish is serving with Terry Schmitt as a member of the Honeoye Central School Board of Education during the 1980s and 90s. Though we may not have always agreed on everything, I retained an enduring respect and admiration for Terry as a mentor, source of encouragement, and above all, dear family friend.
From first-hand experience and knowledge, Terry was indeed a fearless advocate for the needs of all children at Honeoye Central while striking the right balance with a rural community’s ability to pay. Post-school board years, I always enjoyed seeing Terry in town, her smile, laughter, and mutual interest in our families.
Approximately four years ago, one of the best stories Terry shared with me was when my little sister Toni and Terry’s daughter Marlene were studying for a history class during their elementary school years. During their studies, according to Terry, Marlene asked my sister “Who is The Great Compromiser?” My sister’s reply had Terry’s household in laughter: “Steve Barnhoorn.”
That is how I shall always remember Terry Schmitt. One who brought a smile to my face and confidence she had in me.
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences for the passing of such a wonderful human being. Just like all of you, I am going to truly miss her.
We are sad to see of Terry’s passing. She was always gracious and concerned about others. Our sympathies to her family.
Carolyn, Chuck and family; my heart breaks hearing this! Your mom was a wonderful lady and her smile and twinkle are part of some of my best childhood memories. She was truly special. Sending much love and light to all of you.