The earthly journey of Theresa “Terry” Rucker ended on early Wednesday morning (May 7, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.
She was the second of four daughters born to the now deceased Margaret and Michael Rubbo. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Maurice Rucker; adoring son, Stephen Dori; sister, Helen Trent; her brothers-in-law, Richard Trent, Frank Dori and Jim Keeley; and her son-in-law, Paul Sorrentino.
Survivors include sisters, Mary Dori and Ann Keely; daughters, Patricia Ann (Steve) Suriano, Yvonne Marie (Rudy) Kulisek, Nadine Bernadette Sorrentino; stepson, Dr. Joseph (Dr. Jane Boyd) Rucker; grandchildren, Daniel Lagana and Jessica (Joseph) Aiello, Alessandra (Andrew) Kozloski, Philip (Kristen Scalese) Suriano and Dr. Christos (Alissa) Suriano, Stephanie (Brad Finklea) Sorrentino; three great-grandsons, Finneus, Scout and River Suriano; nieces, nephews and many earthly angels; and 2 great-grandchildren “On The Way.”
Theresa was Miss Graduate at John Marshall Jr. High School. At sixteen, she won a contest by writing an essay and interviewed to become a member of the Teen Fashion Council at Marten’s Department Store. As a high school senior, she was employed by two dentists as a receptionist and dental assistant.
The mother of four, she volunteered at schools, public library and scouting. She took her children to Broadway shows, museums and provided music and dance lessons. Terry designed the interior of two homes, was a sales rep at Lord & Taylor in Scarsdale, NY and was a member of Annunciation Church in Crestwood. She hosted many family holiday dinners and was part of the “Sandwich Generation” (not deli related).
Terry began her college studies at the age of 42 at the School of New Resources, the College of New Rochelle, earning her B.A. and M.S. from the College of New Rochelle. She then commuted to the Bronx, teaching 8 years at an urban parochial school. She accepted many administrative duties researching reading programs, representing the principal at meetings and addressing the PTA meetings. She was also responsible for writing critiques on programs, building & faculty requested by the principal. Terry introduced students to the library, museum, farm animals and the Long Island Sound on a class trip which was a special treat for inner city children.
Terry and Maurice knew each other since the age of 11 and married many years later, of different faiths. Their marriage was of great love and respect, observing the Holy Days of both faiths. It gave much joy to have family & friends to break bread at their table.
Very community minded, Terry served as President of Friends of the Box of Books; advisory board member of the Alfred Library; election inspector; Allegany County Democratic member and a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. She reactivated the Alfred Democratic Club, receiving a letter from Governor Mario Cuomo and spoke with Geraldine Ferraro regarding Italian American Women in present society. Terry served as vice president of ASC Association of Women, distributed voter information from League of Women voters and obtained permission from Alfred University to have local painters use a studio for five weeks. She was a member of Wee Playhouse; exhibited large oil paintings and Steuben Bank, College of New Rochelle, Hinkle Library and a New York show in Manhattan for Mary Mount College. Terry was a member of Fortnightly Book Club, composed a book of poems, “Reflections” and created Baptismal ensembles (a labor of love). She served one year as a substitute teacher at Alfred-Almond Central School and was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she served as a member of the St. Ann’s Choir.
“Love Knows No Distance”
At Terry’s request there will be no prior calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, next to her husband, Maurice.
Terry has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to
St. Jude Research Hospital, PO Box 1000. Department 300, Memphis, TN 38148. Memorial forms will be available at St. Ann’s Church.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
