Mildred Terr

Mildred Terr (May 27, 1918 - November 30, 2017)

Mildred Terr passed away peacefully at home last week, at the tender age of 99. She leaves behind a legion of friends, admirers, and loved ones. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Isaac Terr, her daughter, Dana Konno, and her siblings, Joseph Rosen and GG Michelson. Mildred was born in Jamestown, New York to Tom and Celia Rosen. When Mildred was a pre-teen, they traveled to Denver for her mother’s health. She and her siblings lived in the Jewish orphanage for several years while her mother was treated in the TB sanitarium. As it was the Depression, her father moved around trying to make a living. She often said, “We schlepped around the country, like a scene out of “Paper Moon.” She learned to make posole for her father when they lived in Arizona, and it continued to be a lifelong favorite. When she was in her teens they moved to San Antonio, where Mildred graduated from high school. As her mother was ill for many years, Mildred helped raise her siblings, essentially taking charge of the household until her mother passed. Mildred was the oldest of the Rosen cousins, all first generation Americans, all of whom remained close throughout life. They have remarked how they all looked up to Mildred and loved her, as she watched out for them, was generous, and fun. Mildred then moved to New York with her family and began a career as a Powers fashion model; she was a tall knockout. She continued to watch out for her sister, GG, of whom she was most proud. After a few years in New York, she caught the eye of Dr. Isaac Terr. He courted her and they were married in 1942, while he was in the Army Air Corps. She had many admirers, but she said Isaac was most persistent. While Dr. Terr was in the service after her returned from being stationed on the island of Trinidad, they traveled around the country. After the war, they settled in Valley Stream, NY and later moved to Michigan, near her father and brother. The Terrs moved to Las Vegas in 1958, where Dr. Terr joined Dr. Earl Dellinger in medical practice, and they raised five children. She became active in the community, such as with the Opera Guild and Suicide Prevention Center, and always in her children’s lives and interests. In 1961, with five children in school, she enrolled at Highlands University to continue her education. She said she was the “original old lady in college.” With math tutoring and incredible organization, she earned her B.A. in History in 1969, all the while remaining active at home and in the community, volunteering and leading civic groups. Mildred became a much loved member of the community over her six decades here—always quick to open her home or lend a hand to anyone in need. Engaged in the community and a class act in the truest sense, Mildred was also practical and forward thinking. She proudly recalled working with Mrs. Cubertson and getting the school board to change the dress code at Robertson to allow girls to wear slacks to school. With all the children out of the house, she soon fell into the role of grandma and it suited her well. After Dr. Terr’s death in 1986, Mildred continued to be a strong, independent, capable woman who managed her household and remained active. Mildred was above all a “people person.” She enjoyed learning about people; she engaged them and could not only find out their life story in fifteen minutes, but keep up with them for years. She was a loyal and steadfast friend and neighbor to many and charmed all who knew her. She was non-judgmental and always laid back. She had an active mind, an open heart, a warm sense of humor, and a generosity of spirit. She will be missed by all those she touched. Mildred is survived by her children Laurie Ascenzi, Lewis Terr, Jim Terr, and Nancy Terr, her great loves – her grandchildren: Francesca Ascenzi; Damon , Kelly, and Jeffrey Terr, Rebecca and Toby Konno, and Neal Behrendt, and the brightest stars in her universe-- her great-grandchilden , Dane and Emma Konno and Silas Konno Perez. Her nieces Julie Rosen and Barbara Michelson and nephew Robert Rosen know how she loved them. She leaves many special friends, especially Anne Sanders, who kept her enthusiastic through the last years, and her Best Bud of all, Robert Lopez, whose devotion was beyond measure. The family wishes to thank all those who came to visit and take care of Mildred in her most recent period, including the wonderful staff of Ambercare Hospice. Your care made all the difference in the quality of her life and allowing her to remain at home. May her memory be for a blessing. Mildred will be interred at Montefiore Cemetery. A memorial will be held at a future date with details forthcoming. If you wish to contribute in Mildred’s memory, please do so to PEO Scholarship Fund, c/o Gertrude Johe, PO Box 3206, Las Vegas, NM 87701; or the Dana Konno Nursing Scholarship Fund at Luna Community College, 366 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Avenue Las Vegas, NM 1-800-479-3511 05 505-425-3511.