Shirley Terrass

Shirley Ruth Terrass passed away on June 29, 2021.  She was born on January 8, 1935 to Esther and Leo Kirk.  Shirley worked her way through school while raising her three children.  She earned her doctorate from Kent State in 1983 and became a licensed psychologist.  Shirley’s calling in life was to help people and she continued to see clients until her death.  She was also always there with “free therapy” to help and support all of her friends and family.  In addition to her counseling practice, in 2004 Shirley began to work at her daughter’s law practice and her son-in-law’s counseling practice.  This allowed her to help her family and to spend time with them on a daily basis.   Her work gave her a continued sense of purpose and kept her far younger than her age.

Shirley was kind, supportive and affirming, with a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. She truly listened and was always thoughtful in her advice. Shirley loved cooking and entertaining for friends and family, crossword puzzles,  playing dominoes with her many friends, and doing jigsaw puzzles with her sister, daughter and son-in-law.  In her younger days she loved to travel, especially out west.  But more than anything, she loved spending time with her family.  She maintained a close relationship with all of her family and friends, whether they lived close or far away.  Once you were a friend or a part of her family, you would always be. Shirley did not generally embrace technology, but she tolerated it because she loved the ability to share emails and pictures, although she always continued to send cards and letters as well.  Shirley’s family was a source of joy and pride for her.  She did not subscribe to the adage that you should not brag about your children.  She loved sharing with her friends about her children, grandchildren and especially her great-grandson.  She was often heard to say, “I’m the luckiest person in the world!”  And we are so, so grateful that she felt that way.  But in reality, those of us who got to know and love her, and be loved by her, were the lucky ones.

Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Dora Terrass, daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Jeffrey Durr, son and daughter-in-law,  Stephen and Urvashi Terrass, grandchildren Lauren and Matthew Emery, Andrew and Katy Durr, Charlotte Terrass and Ishan Terrass, great-grandson, Eddie Emery and soon to be great-grandson Tommy Emery, sister Beverly Kipp, brother and sister-in-law Charles and Celia Kirk, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will all miss her dearly.

A service celebrating her life will be held Friday, July 9, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Masks are requested for unvaccinated friends and family.   In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the National Park Foundation or to your favorite charity.

Arrangements entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home & Crematory, 330-928-2147.