Terry M. Witchey's Obituary
Terry M. Witchey, 93, a native of Chicago and resident of Fort Wayne for over 60 years, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Ashton Creek, Fort Wayne. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Callahan) Igoe. Terry graduated as a registered nurse at age 47. She acted as supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital Ambulatory Care for 25 years. Terry served the community in several roles in her lifetime, including the Fort Wayne AIDS Taskforce Board of Directors early in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, providing compassion to those who were often rejected by their families and educating the medical community.
She was a Lamaze educator who advocated for keeping mothers awake and aware during childbirth and was instrumental in including fathers in the delivery room. This helped support the mother in her efforts to make the baby's first journey as healthy and stress-free as possible. She also hosted La Leche League meetings to help encourage mothers to breastfeed with more confidence and ease. Terry was a sex educator in the 1970's, believing that answering questions with honesty and science enabled young people to make informed decisions. This truly embarrassed her children while they were in middle school.
Terry enjoyed living in the wonders of the woods and often wandered the trails of Franke Park. Terry loved ice cream, playing cards, traveling around the world, tea parties, and cursing in front of her grandchildren. "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss
She is survived by her children, Patricia (Barry) Becker, Sandy (Kevin) Riley, Glen (Jerri) Witchey, Alan (Paul) Witchey, and Clint (Elaine) Kinsey; grandchildren, Jessica, Daniel, Casey, Ryan, Mackenzie, Sarah, Shawn, Erin, Alex, and Holly; great grandchildren, Warren, and Finnian, with one on the way. She was also preceded in death by her ex-husband, Robert Witchey.
Irish Wake and Celebration of Life starting at 2pm with stories to be shared at 4 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E, New Haven with visitation two hours prior (2 to 4pm). Preferred memorials to Positive Resource Connection, www.positiveresourceconnection.org For online condolences please visit www.harperfuneralhome.com
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