Obituary of Terry Leary

“Gone with the Wind,” A tribute to Terry Leary The Hilton Head Island and Bluffton thrift store industry lost one of its most dedicated patrons with the unexpected passing of Therese (Terry) C Leary. Loving Mother of 3 children, Michael, Melanie, and Danielle. Also, 3 Grandchildren Sage, Faith, and McLean. Terry was a trail blazer for women in municipal politics throughout her career from being initially elected as a town clerk in her home town of Ridgefield CT, town manager in 5 different towns in 3 different states, to managing Indigo Run for almost a decade, to volunteering on many boards and commissions. She was always proud to be the first woman elected/hired/appointed to every position she ever held. If she were here today she’d say, “You Betcha!” Terry split her time, begrudgingly retired, between Bluffton SC and The Villages FL. Thank you to all of “her girls” down in The Villages, you meant the world to Terry and gave her a great home away from home. Terry was an avid gardener and would always make a special effort to buy the left over rehab plants from Lowe’s and Home Depot at the end of each season. She always tried to turn an Annual into a Perennial. Terry was a true American patriot who loved her country and made a special effort cast her mail away ballot in prior to her surgery for the 2018 elections, which she in fact did. Terry was a true collector of almost everything and a disposer of nothing. Loved to turn others junk into treasures for her and her family. One of her main purposes in life was to re-purpose. Terry, your fight is over and your pain is gone and we will love you and your memory forever. Our pain is just beginning but we will fight as you have fought, love as you have loved, and never quit…..all in your honor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 10:30 am at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 Saint Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909 with a reception immediately following at Downtown Catering and Events, 1223 May River Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. Born on December 8th 1941, Gone with the Wind November 4th 2018, loved by her family and friends forever. Arrangements by The Island Funeral Home and Crematory. Islandfuneralhome.com