In Loving Memory
Theresa (Terry) Mary White
June 9, 1943 – August 12, 2021
Terry White was a caring wife, mother, and best friend. She left this world suddenly on August 12, 2021, at age 78. Terry is survived by her husband, Bill White, her daughters Pam Hunley and Deb McIntosh, her dog Dotti, and her sisters Shirley Carey of Mesa AZ. and Mary Outzen of Milwaukee, WI.
Terry was born to Fred & Caroline Jardine on June 9, 1943. Her parents divorced when she was 3 years old and her mother remarried Russell Stoner in 1947. She was then adopted by Russell Stoner shortly thereafter and he is the only father that she ever knew.
At age 19, Terry married her first husband, Jerry McIntosh, and had her first daughter, Pam, at age 20. At age 22, her second daughter, Debbie, was born. Terry and Jerry divorced in 1984. She was single for 8 years before meeting the love of her life, Bill White. They were married on August 28, 1992.
From an early age, Terry had a love for music and loved to dance. She hurried home each day from school to watch American Bandstand on TV. The eight years she was single were spent going to many happy hours and dancing the night away. She and Bill also danced together frequently on cruises and while living in Trilogy. She loved to do the Electric Slide, the Twist, the Chicken Dance, the Macarena and just old rock and roll steps. Some of her favorite singers were Rick Nelson, Barry Manilow, Dean Martin, Air Supply and George Strait.
Terry’s second passion in life was her love of travel, especially cruising. She went on 30 cruises and loved seeing different countries and enjoyed the entertainment onboard the ships. Terry has traveled to many islands in the Caribbean, different cities in the US, Mexico, London, Spain, France, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Malta, and Canada. Terry and Bill owned a timeshare in Hawaii for many years and she loved traveling there and being by the ocean. Her only travel regret is that she never got to go on an African Safari.
In 2007, Terry and Bill moved to Trilogy. Their first house was on Donato Drive where they met many new friends. Terry was involved with planning a lot of the events at Trilogy, especially the dances. They also attended many block parties and enjoyed playing Bunco and Mexican Train with their friends. In 2014 they moved to Blue Spruce Lane in Trilogy where she made additional friends.
Terry faced many medical challenges throughout her years, but her biggest challenge was the loss of her eyesight in early 2016. She lost total sight in one eye and had minimal vision in the other. Over the last several years what vision she had left has slowly been diminishing.
Terry and Pam have always been close and have traveled together frequently, along with many shopping trips and going out to lunch. The last two years Terry’s life drastically changed with her diminishing eyesight. She was no longer doing things with many of her friends and the bond between Terry and Pam grew and grew. Terry would look forward to her daily phone calls with Pam and listened enthusiastically while Pam talked about her travel business and her clients traveling. She would visit with Pam every weekend and her last trip she took was a birthday celebration in June to Le Blanc Los Cabos with Pam. They spent the entire weekend reminiscing on this trip.
Terry was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held October 15, 2021 at 10 AM at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297.
Mom, you were and still are such an inspiration to me. I miss you so much and will treasure you forever. I love you and know that you are no longer suffering with any pain, your vision has been restored, and you are smiling down on us from Heaven. Rest in peace.
How does one, in a few words, express their love for a beautiful friend like Terry?? I regret that we weren’t able to stay as close as we once were after I moved to NC. But we did our best .. I always tried to visit with her and Bill when I made my yearly trip to AZ. I’ll always have wonderful memories of our fun times together. Rest well sweet friend .. until we meet again. I love you ..
Mu Condolence to you and your family. When I meet your mom. I will remember the Beautiful smile she always had. Prayers
I had the pleasure of meeting Terry over thirty years ago because of the friendship I have with her sister Shirley Carey. I will miss her radiant smile and the warm bear hugs. See you in heaven.
I have known Terry over the years though Bill and will always remember her as a warm, friendly, welcoming person with this amazing, unforgettable smile. Our sincere condolences and prayers for her and the family.
Terry was one of the first people I met when I moved to Trilogy after my husband’s death. We played bunco together and enjoyed many of the activities that Trilogy had to offer. I especially remember she and Bill faithfully walking their dogs past my house every days for a number of years. This touched me because even after she was going blind with the help of a walker and her devoted husband, Bill guiding her, she kept walking . I will miss not seeing her anymore, but the memory of them walking by, will be with me forever.
God bless both of you, Terry and Bill
My Condolences to the family. Such a lovely description of her life; Thank you for sharing that with us. She must already have her dance shoes on in heaven! May her love of life inspire those left behind. Prayers of comfort and peace Deb.
I had the pleasure to work with Terry in building 530 and she was a wonderful person. I also remember how happy she was after meeting Bill. I’m so sorry for your loss and heart break that you all are experiencing. I lost my husband of 30 years in 2007 suddenly so I really understand the broken heart the family has. Take care of yourselves during this heartbreaking time.
My condolences for your family Pam! The world has lost a special lady with a big smile and a loving heart! I have had the pleasure of knowing Terry since 1980. I would see her every four weeks on the dot for a haircut. Over the years you learn so much about someone when you see them that often. Terry did love to dance and did love to laugh. She was a very good listener as well always there if you needed her. I will miss you my dear friend thank you for all the good times and You will I always have a special place in my heart. Love you Terry!!!
I will miss you Terry. You have been an inspiration to all of us by not letting anything slow you down through your health problems and never giving up. You will always be remembered by your smile and your up beat demeanor. You will truly be missed!!
Bill, I’m so very sorry for your loss . Terry was a bright , caring person and will be with us always. She helped get me through some difficult times after my first wife passed away. That was Terry, cheerful and loving.
Bill
We are very sorry for your loss of Terry. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time in your life. May Terry Rest In Peace .
Linda & Larry Gontko
Bill and Terry, Even though Terry is gone, I still and will always think of you as a couple. We shared so many wonderful times together, trips, dinners, and just hanging out. She was my best friend for so many years. She and I went on a Caribbean cruise together and just had “girl time”. Such a memorable trip. Terry will always be in my heart. Can’t believe she’s gone…… Terry, My Love Always, Ruth
I met Terry in 2004 at Curves in Chandler . My husband, Bill and I had just moved from MA. Terry and I became instant friends. Even though Bill and I moved between MA and AZ three times, we always kept in touch with each other. When I was in AZ, we would meet for coffee at Paradise Cafe and enjoy catching up with our lives. Our husbands were also friends, Terry’s Bill and my Bill both enjoy cars, so they always had plenty to talk about. Terry was such a good friend. She was always available to listen to me and we also had lots of laughs together. I am so sad that I will not be able to talk with her anymore. I miss her. Terry was so very special and she inspired me. I loved her very much.