Terry Pitt

1929 - 2024

Terry Pitt
August 6, 1929 - September 19, 2024
Mary Theresa Shea (Terry) Pitt, 95, of Milford, Connecticut, died on September 19, in the company of her six children. Born in New York City on August 6, 1929, to Philip D. Shea and Nell Brink Shea, she was raised in Manhasset, Long Island. She graduated from Trinity College, in Washington, DC, where she was president of her junior and senior classes. While there she met her future husband, the late Attorney Harold T Pitt, then a student at Georgetown. They married in 1952.
While raising her family, Terry continued her education, earning a Master of Education from Fairfield University and a Master of Writing at Manhattanville College. She held teaching positions at Manhattanville, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University and Housatonic Community College, as well as Central Catholic High School and Lauralton Hall, becoming Chair of the Religion Department. During this time, she was also Assistant Director of the Family Life Bureau, with the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Following teaching, Terry had a twenty-year career with Southern New England Telephone Company, becoming a member of the elite President's Club for Top Sales Achievements. She was Assistant Chair of the Soviet-American Conference on Alcoholism and served on the boards of the Guenster Rehabilitation Center, in Bridgeport, and High Watch Farm, in Kent, CT.
Terry loved writing, penning stories for her grandchildren, having some of her short stories published, and contributing articles to Business New Haven.
A long time volunteer at Mercy Learning Center, a literacy and life skills program for women in Bridgeport, Terry served on the board, founded the on-site thrift shop, tutored creative writing, edited the news letter, taught English as a second language and established the Student Gardening Program. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Milford Public Library.
Terry was a Master Gardner, completing that certification at the University of Connecticut. She was a member of the Milford Garden Club, focusing on Environmental Awareness and Conservation, promoting the planting of native trees, shrubs and flowers.
In 2001, a plaque which reads "You Always Inspire" was placed in the Chlois G. Ingram Spirit of Women Park at Ohio State University. In 2003, she was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts Housatonic Council and Woman of Substance by the CT Post, in 2004.
Terry swam, sailed a boat, flew a plane, biked, skied badly, gardened, enjoyed books, music and movies, and rarely missed a UCONN Lady Huskies game. Deeply spiritual, she was a life long searcher and learner, changing as her Spirit called. She cherished her friends from Milford, Manhasset, Trinity College, Small Church Community, Milford Garden Club and the Friends of Bill W. She gave thanks for them often.
Terry's greatest joy was her family. Survivors are her six children: Mary Anne (Kerry O'Neil), Kathleen Kennedy (Deane), Peggy Ruggieri (John), Nancy Griffin (Bill), Jim (Katherine), and Carol Soulier (Joe); 17 grandchildren: Shawn D'Andrea (Irene Kitzantides), Kara Pitt-D'Andrea, Brian Kennedy (Jen), Grace Kennedy, John Ruggieri (Bridget), Kyle Ruggieri (Kendall McGrath), Danielle Ruggieri, Julie Boynton (Sam), Kaitlin Hodges (John), Billy Griffin, Molly Kickosicki (Jeff), Maura Stachowiak (Austin), Morgan Pitt, Dylan Pitt, Elise Soulier, Zack Soulier (Gabby), Hayley Billups (Randy); and 15 great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Oscar, Alexi, Jack, Emily, Thomas, Julian, Avery, Theo, Johnny, Maeve, Teddy, Charlie, Clara, and Cameron. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and an older brother, Philip D. Shea, Jr.
A celebration of life is planned for November 2. Details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy Learning Center ( mercylearningcenter.org ) or Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England ( gssne.org ).