Carol E. Terry

Carol Eakley Terry, 74, of West Hartford and Hatchett’s Point in Old Lyme CT, passed peacefully after a short battle with cancer on October 10, 2023. Known affectionately to her family as Yamma, she was born in Morristown NJ on March 25, 1949, to Ardith and Norman Eakley. A loving sister, wife, friend, mother, and grandmother, Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years Benjamin Clinton “Kink” Terry and is survived by her children Benjamin (Kara) Terry of Richmond VA, Elida (Jamie) Mullarkey of Madison CT, and grandchildren Logan, Kelly, Elsie, Alex and Owen. Carol graduated from Morristown High School in 1966 and earned a degree in French from Arcadia University in 1970, including time spent studying abroad in France, before settling in New England. Carol and Kink were married in 1972 and began their lives together and their careers in Hartford. Carol worked for many years at Aetna in a variety of disciplines that showcased her creativity, tenacity, and drive. She displayed a sense of humor with a contagious laugh, while also raising a family and remaining a leader in the community. After a nearly thirty year and noteworthy business career, Carol utilized her well-known business acumen and strength of spirit over much of the last few decades devoting herself to her community, specifically Asylum Hill Congregational Church, and her love of many different mediums of artistic expression. In addition to focusing her efforts on youth education and development, she was a champion of the arts and dance throughout Greater Hartford. She could be found every January volunteering as a face of the Boar’s Head Festival at Asylum Hill Congregational Church as an usher and greeter. Over her lifetime, Carol played a significant role in the progression and awareness of such organizations as Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Charter Oak Cultural Center, Connecticut Dance Alliance, Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Greater Hartford Arts Council, Junior League of Hartford, Spectrum in Motion Dance Theatre Ensemble, and West Hartford Art League. Carol’s impact will be forever felt by her family, her friends, and by countless others. A Celebration of Life will be held at Asylum Hill Congregational Church on November 3rd at 11am. In lieu of flowers, and to honor her memory, consider a gift in her name to your favorite local arts organization – she would be happy to know that her legacy continues to foster creativity and joy for all.