Therese Smith

Therese "Terry" Magdalene Smith (née Trunk) of West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 15, 2025, at the age of 94. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Terry was the beloved wife of the late Thomas James Smith, with whom she shared nearly 62 years of marriage-a love story that began when they met soon after graduating from eighth grade.
The West Oak Recreation Club (WORC), a community on the Great South Bay in Oakdale, Long Island was the foundation of the family, where Terry met Tom and spent summers with
cousins and lifelong friends.
Terry was the first child of Vincent dePaul Trunk and Veronica Trunk. From an early age, she was known for her intelligence, beauty, and radiant smile. After graduating from the prestigious Hunter College High School in New York City, Terry earned her bachelor's degree from St. John's University. Following in her father's footsteps, she began her career as a teacher in the Newark public schools.
Together, Terry and Tom built a home in Suffern NY filled with love, laughter, and what might be known as "spirited conversation," while raising five children. Their home was a welcoming place for friends of their kids - often drawn by the happiness and hubbub of the house on Briarwood Lane.
Terry was admired for her easy elegance, grace, fashion sense and glamorous style. She made any room brighter, any gathering feel special. Terry was a voracious reader, volunteering at the
Suffern Free Library. Even in the last years of her life she read the NYTimes cover to cover every day and was conversant on current events. Recently she was very concerned about the people of Ukraine, and prayed for peace there.
Alongside Tom, Terry later helped run the New York office of the law firm Wildman Harrold Allen Dixon & Smith, where she served as legal administrator. Their Rockefeller Center
office-overlooking the skating rink-became famous among colleagues and friends for its joyful holiday gatherings.
Terry found joy in singing in choral groups in college and church choirs later in life.
Terry took great pride in her family, especially her grandchildren-Zachary and Adam Ferleger, Owen and Garrett Smith and Benjamin and Dalia Amarilio.
Terry is survived by her children: Diane Smith Woodruff (Tom) of West Hartford, CT; Deborah Smith (Dori Amarilio) of Los Angeles, CA; Suzanne Ferleger (Daniel) of Los Angeles, CA; Thomas J. Smith (Bonnie) of Ridgewood, NJ and Melissa Simonet (Xavier) of Paris, France. She is also survived by her siblings Paul Trunk, Judy Schaedel and Peter Trunk and by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who showed her great love and respect.
A private interment will be held at Ascension Cemetery in Monsey, NY, beside her beloved husband Tom. A celebration of Terry's life is planned for the spring.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Terry's name to NOVA Ukraine or to Suffern Free Library, 210 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern NY 10901 Attn:
Craig H Long, President.
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