EL DENE EVANGELINE TERRY

Our beloved ‘Bootsie’ passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 2, 2015. El Dene Evangeline Schwecke Terry was born May 6th, 1932 to Fritz and Elizabeth Schwecke in Nisland, South Dakota. She was one of twelve children. As a child, she was considered to be the ‘runt’ of the family, the puny one, though she was not the youngest. In the end, Bootsie was the last of her siblings standing and with her poignant passing, truly comes the end of an era and the end cycle of a family’s much loved generation. During WWII, Bootsie’s father, pursuing work in the shipyards, relocated the family from South Dakota to Oakland, California, where El Dene attended Bay Area schools. After high school graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper for Rathjen Brothers of San Leandro, California and retired from the Teamsters Local Union #856. It was there in the early 1960’s that she met her husband, Ed Terry. Together the couple made a lovely home in Pleasanton, California, where Bootsie helped to raise Ed’s two young daughters from a previous marriage, Shawn Colon of El Dorado, California and Nonda Terry of Independence, Oregon. Ed and El Dene were blessed with a grandson, Christopher Wright of Salem, Oregon. He is the son of Nonda and Steve Wright. Chris was a source of joy and enjoyment of both Ed and El Dene. The couple retired to Paradise, California in 1996 where they lived happily together for many years until Ed passed away in 2004. Ed and El Dene spent over 40 wonderful years together. During El Dene’s younger years, she led a very active lifestyle; camping, fishing, swimming, water skiing and snow skiing. She enjoyed her home, family and friends. She loved cooking and fine dining. She also enjoyed gambling and trips to the casinos. On her 80th birthday, much to everyone’s dismay, she pulled an ‘all-nighter’ with her walker in tow, at the casino. While El Dene’s husband was still alive, they enjoyed playing golf and taking cruises together. In 2010, six years after Ed’s passing, El Dene moved to Grass Valley, California to be closer to her many nieces and nephews. Bootsie found a new home and enjoyed living her last few remaining years at the Bret Harte Retirement Inn in Grass Valley, where she made many sweet friends, both among the staff and many residences, who became extended family. Bootsie’s family is forever grateful for the wonderful support and loving care, which the Bret Harte Retirement Inn offers and lovingly provided. The family would especially like to thank Carol and Mike Riley of Grass Valley for the love, care and friendship which they so graciously extended to El Dene and to her family throughout Bootsie’s final years. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Spring Hill Manor of Grass Valley who provided tender loving care to Bootsie during this past year and throughout El Dene’s time of transition. We also extend a big thank you to the staff and friends at the Da Vita Dialysis Center and also to the healthcare professionals at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. El Dene not only leaves behind two daughters and a grandson but many nieces and nephews, too numerous to name. ‘Aunt Bootsie’ was a loved friend and special aunt to us all. El Dene Terry was preceded in death by her parents, husband and her eleven brothers and sisters. Bootsie’s amazing emotional and physical endurance have always been a source of inspiration. Her upbeat and positive demeanor endeared her to many. Her keen wit, sense of humor and bright spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life to honor El Dene ‘Bootsie’ Terry will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Chapel of the Angels Mortuary in Grass Valley. Reception to follow. Friends and family are invited. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Spring Hill Manor/Activity Program, 355 Joerschke Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Arrangements are under the care of Chapel of the Angels Mortuary in Grass Valley (530) 273-2446.

EL DENE EVANGELINE TERRY

May 6, 1932 - April 2, 2015