Terry (Myers) Perniciaro

July 25, 1939 – May 15, 2026

Terry Perniciaro, born Terry Myers in Detroit, Michigan in 1939, passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a long, beautiful, and blessed life. The oldest of four children, Terry grew up with her sister Nicholynn (Niki) Myers and her brothers Ted and Tim Kotowich and, forming bonds that carried through her entire life.

Brilliant, determined, and ahead of her time, Terry attended Ferris Institute, where she became one of the f irst women in the state of Michigan to earn a Mechanical Engineering degree. She later worked for the City of Warren, MI — a job that changed her life in the most unexpected way. Just across the street at General Motors worked a young man named Veto Perniciaro. He made her laugh, and as she often said, that was one of the reasons she married him. Their love story lasted 57 years together, 54 of them married, and remained strong until Veto’s final breath.

After becoming a mother, Terry’s creative spirit took center stage. She poured her energy into the arts — painting, crafting, quilting — and excelled at every single thing she touched. She co-owned craft stores in Utica and Romeo, MI before discovering her true passion: teaching. From her home studio, she taught decorative painting for decades, becoming a “Certified Degree Artist” and earning the admiration of students nationwide. She attended national conventions, entered juried shows, and built lifelong friendships through the National Society of Decorative Painters. Terry was a perfectionist in the most beautiful way — meticulous, talented, and endlessly generous with her gifts.

Her creativity extended into quilting, where she became so skilled that she inspired her daughter-in-law, Laura, to take up the craft. Terry’s influence was quiet but powerful; she lifted others simply by sharing what she loved.

When her children, Ted and Theresa, finished college, Terry and Veto built their dream retirement home in the breathtaking Cumberland Cove mountain range of Tennessee. For twenty years they enjoyed sunsets on the plateau, dear friends, and a peaceful life they cherished.

After Veto’s passing, Terry moved to New Jersey to live with her daughter Theresa, beginning a new chapter f illed with adventure, joy, and unforgettable memories. Together they traveled the world — Viking River cruises through Europe, a Mediterranean voyage, trips to Puerto Rico, Maine, Connecticut, Tennessee, and Michigan. Theresa made sure her mother’s later years were full of fun, beauty, and meaning.

One of Terry’s greatest joys was seeing her favorite artists in concert. Theresa had taken her to see Johnny Mathis, Engelbert Humperdinck, Michael Bolton, Billy Joel, and — in a full-circle moment — Cher. Terry had taken Theresa to see Sonny & Cher at the Michigan State Fair in 1972; fifty years later, Theresa took her to see Cher again in Philadelphia. It was a moment neither of them would ever forget.

Terry adored her grandchildren, Michael and Jennifer, who brought endless pride and happiness into her life. She was blessed to see both marry, and even more blessed to meet her great-granddaughters, Mckenna and Morgan. She hoped to meet Jennifer and Garrett’s future children as well, and her family knows she will be watching over them with love from heaven.

A devout Catholic, Terry is now reunited with her beloved Veto; her brother Ted; her mother; her nephew Andy; and many cherished family members who went before her.

One of the greatest joys of Terry’s later life came on four tiny paws. When she and Theresa adopted two Maltese puppies, Maverick and Goose, Terry fell completely in love. After Goose passed away, Maverick became her constant companion — her shadow, her comfort, her joy. He slept beside her every night and followed her every step. He was her boy.

About two years ago, Theresa asked her mother if she felt she had lived a good life. Terry didn’t hesitate. “Oh, Theresa,” she said, “I had the best life. I had a great childhood. I was able to attend college. I met so many wonderful people. I had a wonderful, caring, loving husband. I’m so proud of you kids. I have grandkids and great-grandkids, and too many friends to count. I traveled the world, I wanted for nothing, I was blessed and I regret nothing.”

Terry is survived by her son Ted Perniciaro and his wife Laura; her daughter, Theresa Perniciaro; her grandchildren Michael (Madison) Perniciaro and Jennifer (Garrett) Merchant; and her great-granddaughters Mckenna and Morgan Perniciaro. She also leaves behind her sister Nicholynn (Niki) Kenny of Petoskey, MI; her brother Tim (Patrizia) Kotowich and their children Nicholas and Rachael of Munich, Germany; her niece Kim (Matt) Sherlock and their children Alison and Jack; and many more family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Terry was beautiful, intelligent, witty, strong-willed, and endlessly loving. She lived fully, loved deeply, and gave generously. She will be profoundly missed — and forever cherished.

She was always deeply loved. And she always will be.