Terri M. (Gioia) Gehler

Terri M. (Gioia) Gehler of Aurora, Colorado, peacefully passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Terri was born on March 31, 1937, in New Britain, Connecticut to Catello and Marie Gioia.

From a young age, Terri strived to be successful in life. She was an exceptional student and hard-working in all her endeavors. She graduated from New Britain High School and then attended Central Connecticut University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She loved flying, and that love caused her to be active in the Civil Air Patrol in Connecticut. After graduating from college, she applied for a job as a Department of Army civilian. She was hired as a teacher and her dream was fulfilled to teach in the army school system in France, where she taught U.S. Army Military dependents. In France, she met her husband, Robert Gehler, who was stationed in France as a member of the U.S. Army. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in France in 1962. After marriage, Terri and her husband traveled extensively throughout Europe. Terri continued to teach school, and she was awarded outstanding teacher of the year in 1972, among other teaching recognitions. After teaching in France for three years and giving birth to a son, named Richard, Terri and her husband and her newborn son returned to the United States. After returning to the United States, Terri gave birth to a second child, a daughter named Debra. After her daughter Debra was born, Terri continued to teach school. In addition to teaching, she earned her master’s degree from the University of Colorado and then her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Colorado. She then was hired as a school principal. She served in that capacity until she retired from education in 1982.

Terri lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed entertaining at home, traveling, and skiing at Winter Park, Colorado, where she and her husband owned a second home.

Terri is survived by her husband, Robert of 63 years, her son Richard (wife Kim), her daughter Debra (husband Chris), Sister Carmelia, Sister-in-law Patty, Sister-in-law Chris, Sister-in-law Darlene, granddaughter Tiffany (husband Andre), granddaughter Tara (husband Jonathan), granddaughter Adalayde, granddaughter Rori, great-granddaughter Natalie, great-grandson Nathanael, and numerous nieces and nephews. Terri was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Gilbert and Jerry.

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Aurora, Colorado or via their website here: Giving to St. Mark's