Terry Sorrentino, 83, of Farmington Hills, Mich., died peacefully, with family by her side, February 13. She was born in 1932, and was the daughter of the late Michael and Rose (Russo) Sorrentino. 

Her brother Michael Sorrentino, owner of Newtown Hardware and his wife, Valerie; her sister, Mary D. Summo; and many nephews, nieces, and grand-nephews and nieces survive Ms Sorrentino. Her brother-in-law Dr Anthony Summo; a niece, a nephew, and one grand-nephew predeceased her. 

She was a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, and earned a Master’s of Science in Library Science and Media Studies.

Her career started as a homebound teacher for students with physical or mental disabilities. Ms Sorrentino moved to Juneau, Alaska for her first classroom teaching assignment. She later moved to Michigan to teach elementary school, but jumped at the opportunity to become a school librarian and media specialist, where she spent the remainder of her 32 year career.

Ms Sorrentino loved to travel and explore. She also enjoyed spending summers in the Catskills at a family resort at which she earned the title “Chief Pool Skimmer.” When her nieces and nephews were growing up, she would often pile as many as she could into her VW Beetle to play a game she called “The Explorers.” Every trip was always topped off with a stop for Carvel ice cream.

There was no doubt that she doted on her family and loved to spoil her ten nieces and nephews, which then continued with her 13 great-nieces and nephews. 

Ms Sorrentino spent her retirement years as a volunteer at Mature Minglers, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Farmington Hills, and as a Docent at Greenfield Village. She was loved and cherished by all who had the gift to know her and spend time with her. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Angela Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they provided, as well as Fr Cedric Pisegna for his daily prayers and special visit to bring the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick to Ms Sorrentino.

A celebration of her life is being planned for the spring.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Ms Sorrentino’s love and dedication to her faith and to education, please consider a donation to Fr Cedric Pisegna Ministries at www.frcedric.org, or The Summo Scholarship Fund, Excelsior College, 7 Columbia Circle, Albany NY, 12203.