Theresa Kathleen "Terry" Tumicki

Theresa "Terry" Kathleen (Dzialo) Tumicki Died - July 20, 2013 FRANKLIN - Theresa "Terry" Kathleen (Dzialo) Tumicki, 78, died peacefully July 20th, 2013, at her home. Terry lately spent time in Michigan near her son and his family, but she always considered herself a daughter of Norwich. Born to John and Nellie (Pudlo) Dzialo, Terry attended Norwich public schools and graduated from The Norwich Free Academy in 1953. On October 22, 1960, Terry married Thomas Francis Tumicki (now deceased) and was the mother of Timothy "Phil" Tumicki of Waterford, Connecticut, Thomas (Kathy) Tumicki, Jr., of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Rev. Ted Tumicki of Jewett City, Connecticut. Her joy was her grandchildren, Claire and John, and Terry spent her time in Michigan at musical concerts, 4H events, and many other "grandma" activities. Terry was dedicated to her career as a nurse. After graduating from St. Raphael School of Nursing in 1956, she completed graduate studies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1958. She worked at William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, including as Operating Room Supervisor and later as a nurse of the Emergency Department. One of Terry's proudest accomplishments was helping to inaugurate the paramedic program and training the first paramedics in eastern Connecticut. In a wonderful legacy to her dedication and skill, the paramedic program recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. When she wasn't caring for her own family, or nursing others, Terry relaxed with needlework, a true talent for her. She also loved gardening and could grow any plant or flower. From childhood Terry was involved in 4H; and later, as an adult, she served as a camp nurse, a member and secretary of the 4H Foundation, and a 4H group leader. Her members and fellow counselors remained some of her dearest friends. Faith was an important aspect of Terry's life. She was a very active lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church in Norwichtown, serving over the years as lector, lay Eucharistic minister, religious education teacher, member of the Rosary Altar Society, and volunteering to help with whatever needed to be done, whether it was dying altar server cassocks or cleaning the altar and sanctuary. Besides her sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Terry is survived by her sister Barbara Pitts of Seaside, Oregon, brothers Julian Dzialo of Mystic, Connecticut, and Lucian Dzialo of Baltic, Connecticut, lifelong friend Ruth Thurston of Plainfield, Connecticut, and many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation will be Thursday, July 25, 2013 from 4 to 8 P.M., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 141 Central Avenue, Norwich, Connecticut. The funeral will assemble on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 8:45 A.M. at the funeral home, followed by the celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William W. Backus Hospital, c/o Office of Philanthropy and Development, 326 Washington Street, Norwich CT 06360.