Geneseo: At age 86, Terry passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025 with her family by her side at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, NY.
Terry was born on March 21, 1938 in New Philadelphia, Ohio to the late Carl and Ruth (Williams) Dawson. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth M. Book; daughters, Lorraine “Lori” (Linda) Book and Renee (Michael) Book Kleinhans all of Geneseo; grandchildren, Reese Kleinhans and Garin Kleinhans; brother David (Joy) Dawson of OH. She is also survived by her niece Erin (Aaron) Holley, nephews Mike, Chris (Nancy) and Brent (Christi) Dawson, grand nieces, grand nephews, and loving friends.
Terry met her husband Ken at Kent State University and they were married in New Philadelphia in 1961. Their first big move was across the country to Tucson, Arizona. A few years later, they moved back to the Midwest and lived in several places in Indiana and Michigan. They finally settled in Geneseo, NY in 1980.
Terry received her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY Geneseo while continuing to raise her two children. She worked part-time at Livonia Public Schools and as an instructor and clinical supervisor at SUNY Geneseo. She also served as the Director of the Speech and Hearing Clinic at SUNY Geneseo for many years before retirement.
Terry loved horses, riding, playing tennis, waterskiing and gardening. She will be forever remembered for her love of entertaining. She welcomed everyone to her home with a smile and an offer of something to eat and drink. Hosting Gourmet Club at her home or open houses on Christmas Eve were some of her entertaining highlights. Her cinnamon rolls, buckeyes and apple pies were the best.
Terry was a member of the Central Presbyterian Church in Geneseo and served as a Deacon who mentored the acolytes. Her joy in life were her grandchildren and she loved to take them to church with her and taught them how to serve as acolytes. She was also a member of the Geneseo Garden Club for many years.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate Terry’s Life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, May 3rd, at the Central Presbyterian Church, 31 Center Street, Geneseo, NY. Interment will follow at the church memorial garden. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Terry’s memory to the Central Presbyterian Church, 31 Center Street, Geneseo, NY 14454 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Meridian Center Blvd. Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
What a beautiful woman inside and out. We loved Terry and will remember her with fondness. Our deep sympathies to her family, friends and neighbors. Terry was a treasure. May she celebrate Love everlasting with cherished loved ones welcoming her into Heaven’s embrace.
So sorry to hear of Terry’s death. She was a caring, motivated and genuine person. Her work with speech and hearing clients, as an excellent professor and teacher and as a valued member of the Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences will always be remembered. May she rest in peace and be in God’s hands.