Esterina 'Esther' (Peppe) Terni

PINE PLAINS — Esterina “Esther†Peppe Terni, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 1, 2008, at the Glastonbury Health Care Center, where she had been a resident since 2005. She was the widow of Stephen Terni of Millerton, whom she married in 1937.

Esther was born on April 21, 1912, to Maria Esternia (Proia) and Archangelo Peppe, the fourth of nine children.

She grew up in Pine Plains and loved music and caring for her younger siblings.

She attended Seymour Smith Academy and the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she graduated in 1934. She became a teacher of kindergarten and primary grades. At the age of 19, she began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse as part of her teacher training.

In 1961 she received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from American International College and went on to complete her Master of Education degree at Springfield College in 1967.

Esther taught in many venues, including the St. Joseph School in Enfield, the Enfield Street School and the North Street School, where she was also an administrator. After retiring, she served as a substitute in the Enfield School System until well into her 70s.

She is survived by four children, Esther (Terni) Heffernan, Margaret (Terni) Meyer, Stephen Terni Jr., and Susan (Terni) Taff; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to whom she was a beloved Nonna; a sister, Evelina Peppe-Lyle; and many nephews and nieces.

Esther was known for her energy, friendliness and great taste in clothes.She was a member of the Woman’s Club of Enfield and an avid bridge player.

Not afraid to try new things, she took up golf at the age of 80. Her love of travel brought her to Europe, South America and the Carribean and many places in the United States, including Alaska.

Esther’s greatest passion was “Teacher’s Pet,†her cottage at Point O’Woods Beach in South Lyme, where she spent  summers for more than 45 years.

Funeral services were held Dec. 4  from Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels in Enfield. A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Patrick’s Church. Interment was in St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery in Enfield.

Memorial donations may be made to the Enfield Women’s Club Scholarship Fund, in care of Jhislaine Letourneau, 15 Strawberry Lane, Enfield, CT 06082.

To leave an online condolence, go to brownefuneralhome.com.