Terry Noyes

Terry, 82, of El Cajon, California, died October 23 after a long illness. A strong, funny, optimistic woman, Terry will be missed by those she inspired with her zest for life. A free spirit, she flowed like the ocean and was always ready to help others.

Terry was born on the east coast. Her father was in the U.S. Navy, and she and her four siblings moved around the country before settling in San Diego.

She stood 6 feet tall by age 14 and spent her childhood working on art projects. At 18, she moved to Los Angeles, where she met her husband through mutual friends.

Before becoming a mother, Terry traveled solo to experience European culture and the pyramids of Egypt. She attended college in Brentwood, California, before dedicating herself to motherhood. She gave birth to two daughters before returning to the workforce to study cosmetology.

Terry became a hair stylist after beauty school, working in the industry for 20 years. She even appeared in People magazine. Seeking more stability, she transitioned to administrative work and enrolled in a secretarial program at a local college. Terry then worked as a county clerk in San Diego for two decades before retiring in 2015.

She considered raising her daughters her greatest accomplishment. Terry often said she loved her children from conception, finding joy in raising them. She gave her children everything she had, taking them on adventures and exploring foods and cultures together. She organized bike rides, park trips, camping, and cultural outings. She made sure their unique interests and talents were cultivated and embraced.

Generous and selfless, Terry always prioritized her daughters' needs. She helped with homework and projects late into the night, even standing in line at 4:30 am to secure a spot in a prestigious public art program. During heatwaves, she rented hotel rooms for swimming. She exposed her children to various cultures, arts, music, and sports, often dining at international restaurants.

Terry's smile and hazel eyes radiated warmth and sincerity. She showed empathy by maintaining pen pal correspondences with women in prison and opening her home to friends in need. Terry always saw the good in people, often saying, "there's no beauty in changing a person" and "we won't hold (fill in the blank) against them." If she had it, she shared it. Her interests were eclectic, as was her conversation. She was sociable, kind, and funny to everyone she met.

An avid reader, Terry had a vast collection of books on arts, crafts, cooking, and Christian faith. She enjoyed writing short stories and was passionate about woodworking, painting, sewing, and sculpting. She often gifted her creations and was an upcycler before the term was coined.

In retirement, Terry loved socializing with neighbors, enjoying high teas and baking cookies for friends and family. Even as her health declined, she remained dedicated to her passions, attending writing classes and improving her works.

Terry was captivated by San Diego's terrain, focusing on palm trees she called "her soldiers." She planned to name and draw those that caught her eye.

Terry was a dedicated member of Shadow Mountain Community Church and a faithful Christian. Her relationship with the Lord deepened over the years, influencing her interactions and approach to life's challenges. She often shared her faith, known to friends as someone who truly loved God.

Terry is survived by her daughters and her sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, brother, and husband.

Terry will be profoundly missed and forever cherished. Her remains will be interred in a private ceremony at sea off the coast of San Diego. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in her name to the National Council on Aging (ncoa.org/donate), the Rheumatology Research Foundation (rheumresearch.org/donate) or Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon (pushpay.com/g/shadowmountain). Your generosity will help continue the work and values Terry cherished.