Theodore Briggs Terletzky

FREDERICK, MARYLAND - Theodora "Tay" Briggs Terletzky, a lifelong caregiver, volunteer, animal lover, and fiercely independent spirit, passed away on March 19, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on May 16, 1935, to Francis B. and Vitalie Z. Terletzky in Lexington, Massachusetts, Tay lived a life defined by service to others, determination in the face of adversity, and a remarkable ability to adapt to whatever challenges life placed before her.

Tay was the younger of two children and shared a lifelong bond with her older brother, Peter. While she had no children of her own, she was a devoted and doting “Aunt Tay” to her brother's three sons, David, Stephen, and Mark. They affectionately nicknamed her "Teddy Two Legs" because of her tall, slender frame, and she remained an important and beloved presence in their lives, from childhood through adulthood. Many fond childhood memories were formed with Tay throughout their childhood development, such as sharing winter in Lexington at her parents’ home, hosting many a Christmas visit by Tay and Peter’s family. It was a cherished tradition to share Christmas together, decorate the house, going for walks and toboggan runs on the nearby golf course, and coming down the stairs singing a Christmas Hymn on Christmas morning. Tay was full of energy and life, and she channeled that into her nephew’s lives as they grew up. Tay is survived by her nephew, David Terletzky (Donna), of Portland Oregon; sister-in-law Rosemary Terletzky of Apopka, Florida; cousins Tom Egan (Sandy Greene) of Sharpsburg, Maryland and, Charlie Egan (Bela Thacker) of Olney, Maryland; dear friend Mary Eidukevicius (Vitas) of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

During her working years, Tay dedicated herself to helping others. After working in the fashion industry in the Boston area, she joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in 1977, a decision that brought her to Frederick, Maryland, and ultimately shaped the remainder of her life. Following her volunteer service, she was hired by the Frederick County Health Department, where she spent more than three decades providing assessments and outpatient counseling for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Her work touched countless lives, and she developed friendships with colleagues that endured throughout her lifetime.

Service to others did not end with retirement. Even after leaving her professional career, Tay continued volunteering by driving others in need to medical appointments and helping wherever she could. Caring for others was not simply her profession; it was part of her passion and who she was.

While her professional life was devoted to people, her personal passions included animals and the outdoors. Tay loved animals throughout her life and eventually fulfilled a longtime dream by purchasing a parcel of land in Shenandoah Junction, WV where she could own horses and care for them herself. Even into her nineties, she took immense pride in maintaining her property, tending to her animals, and preserving her independence. The land represented more than a home; it reflected her self-reliant nature and her determination to live life on her own terms. Tay was fiercely determined to be living on her own, in her own home, tending to her own land, until the day she left. It brought her tremendous joy.

Those who knew Tay remember her optimism, resilience, and sense of humor. She faced life's setbacks with grace and determination, always finding a way forward. She possessed a uniquely memorable habit of naming nearly everything around her. Most famously, she gave her brain a name so that whenever she made a mistake, she could humorously assign the blame elsewhere. In her final months, even after moving to a care facility, she quickly became known for her warmth, wit, and efforts to persuade fellow residents to name their own brains as well. It was quintessentially Tay: finding laughter, connection, and humanity wherever she happened to be.

When her nephews were adults, and David was donating his kidney to Mark, Tay was along for that journey, and convinced David to name his kidneys, so that they could be identified by name in the two boys. For those playing along at home, Mark got “Felix”, and David was left with “Oscar”, in case that was a trivia question somewhere. And for 500 bonus points, Tay called her brain… “Lily”. =;-]

In November 2025, just weeks after the death of her beloved older brother, Peter, Tay suffered a stroke at her home. Though she worked diligently through rehabilitation, she was unable to return to the home and lifestyle she cherished. She eventually transitioned to long-term care and, true to her character, adapted to her new circumstances with courage and positivity. Not long afterward, her health declined rapidly, and she passed peacefully. For a woman who treasured her independence above all else, those who loved her may find comfort in knowing that her final struggle was brief, and that except for her last four months, she lived her whole life independently, the way she wanted.

Tay will be remembered for her generosity, strength, unwavering independence, devotion to helping others, and ability to find humor in everyday life. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and service that lives on in the many people whose lives she touched.

There will be no formal memorial service. Family and friends are encouraged to remember Tay by embracing the same compassion, determination, humor, and independent spirit that guided her throughout a remarkable life.