Anna Mae Tercyak

Anna Mae Tercyak, 91, passed away peacefully on Sept 4th 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born in New Haven CT in 1934 by Austrian immigrants, she grew up in Derby, Connecticut. A woman ahead of her time, she was always interested in science and chemistry. She attended the University of Connecticut on scholarship and graduated with only a handful of other women with a degree in Pharmacology. She moved with her husband to Cleveland OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Hingham MA, finally settling in Newton MA as her husband developed his career. Once in Newton, she raised 4 children while attending Wellesley College, earning a Masters degree in Chemistry. After working at Boston Children's Hospital, she settled into a long career at Boston University Medical Center where she managed the Biophysics lab, active in cardiovascular research with a focus on lipids and cholesterol. She has her name on over twenty research publications in peer-reviewed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine. Despite this, she was most proud of an interest article that was published on the front page of the New York Times, "Above the fold!" she'd quickly point out. When computers were first introduced to the lab, she embraced technology and would write her own programs before software packages were introduced.

She was a voracious reader and happiest when surrounded by books. She could hold an in depth, well-informed and intelligent conversation on any number of topics including history (in the US and around the world), religion, politics, culture, science, geography, artificial intelligence, amongst many others. Even into her 90's, she was as sharp as ever.

She retired to Sun City Center, FL and then eventually to Cary, NC to be closer to family.

She was pre-deceased by her husband of 62 years, Thaddeus Tercyak, her sister Margaret Reed, and her Grandson, Jake Chandel. She is survived by her loving children: Thomas Chandel (Heather) of Bridgton ME, Courtney Chandel of NYC, Carol Tercyak (Robert Griffin) of Morrisville NC, and Gail McCormack of Dover Foxcroft ME, as well as half-sister Shirley Chandl of FL. She leaves behind 4 loving grandchildren and two great-grandchildren all whom she adored. She is deeply missed and remembered with love.