Obituary for Theresa Elizabeth "Terry" Arnold (Griffin)
Theresa Elizabeth (Griffin) Arnold, 97, of Enfield and formerly Suffield, passed away on March 10, 2021 shortly after having a stroke. Born on September 14, 1923 in Greenfield, MA; daughter of the late Irving Robert and Delia Louise (Hale) Griffin. She graduated from Springfield Tech in 1941 and completed her education with a Master’s Degree from Millsaps College.
Terry was passionate about education and was a 6th grade Suffield Middle School teacher for 20 years. She was active in her community, well-spoken and carried herself with marvelous grace. Terry lived in Suffield and Enfield for the past 54 years. A former high school sweetheart, Matthew Arnold, found her and they were wed in 1982. They enjoyed traveling the world and researching Ancestry facts as a member of Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor. They both served as deacons of First Church of Christ, Congregational, in Suffield and members of PEO. Terry was a member of Suffield Women’s Club, a docent at Hathaway House, past president of Mapleton Literary Club and most recently a volunteer at The Second Chance Shop in Suffield into her nineties. She loved to debate politics, watch UCONN basketball and enjoyed all family celebrations.
Terry is survived by a daughter, Gayle Nelson Demko of Suffield; son Randall Read Nelson and his wife Judy of Willington; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and extended Arnold Family members. Our family is forever grateful for the care and companionship of Jean, her caregiver, for the past 6 years. She was predeceased by husbands, Matthew Arnold (2000) and George Oscar Nelson (1969); brother Roger Griffin; and son Richard Hale Nelson (2002).
The Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:00AM at Heritage Funeral Home, 1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield. Burial will follow in West Suffield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9:30-11:00am prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: First Church of Christ, Congregational, 81 High Street, Suffield, CT 06078. Online condolences please visit: www.SufieldFuneralHome.com
Terry was passionate about education and was a 6th grade Suffield Middle School teacher for 20 years. She was active in her community, well-spoken and carried herself with marvelous grace. Terry lived in Suffield and Enfield for the past 54 years. A former high school sweetheart, Matthew Arnold, found her and they were wed in 1982. They enjoyed traveling the world and researching Ancestry facts as a member of Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor. They both served as deacons of First Church of Christ, Congregational, in Suffield and members of PEO. Terry was a member of Suffield Women’s Club, a docent at Hathaway House, past president of Mapleton Literary Club and most recently a volunteer at The Second Chance Shop in Suffield into her nineties. She loved to debate politics, watch UCONN basketball and enjoyed all family celebrations.
Terry is survived by a daughter, Gayle Nelson Demko of Suffield; son Randall Read Nelson and his wife Judy of Willington; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and extended Arnold Family members. Our family is forever grateful for the care and companionship of Jean, her caregiver, for the past 6 years. She was predeceased by husbands, Matthew Arnold (2000) and George Oscar Nelson (1969); brother Roger Griffin; and son Richard Hale Nelson (2002).
The Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:00AM at Heritage Funeral Home, 1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield. Burial will follow in West Suffield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9:30-11:00am prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: First Church of Christ, Congregational, 81 High Street, Suffield, CT 06078. Online condolences please visit: www.SufieldFuneralHome.com