Obituary of Theresa (Terry) J. Tippin

LITTLE FALLS - Theresa J. Tippin, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23 2017 at her home with family by her side. Born August 1, 1932, in Lima, Ohio, Terry was the daughter of the late Marian (Lynch) Jose and Thomas Jose. Terry had a close relationship with her extended family, including her aunts, Mildred and Esther Lynch, her uncle John Lynch and her first cousins Ted and Jack Lynch. She completed her nursing studies at Lima Memorial School of Nursing in 1954 and became an RN in the state of Ohio. Terry practiced nursing in a variety of settings in Ohio and Connecticut. While performing in a small theater production in Connecticut she met her husband, Tip. On November 14, 1958, she married Charles Raymond Tippin in the First Congregationalist Church in Essex. They began their married life as curators of the William Pratt House, a 18th century historic house-turned-museum in Essex. From there, Terry and Tip moved to West Hartford and raised two children. Terry went on to earn her Real Estate license and become an associate member in the Greater Hartford Board of Realtors in 1975. Terry has been active in the arts throughout her entire life. As an accomplished potter, Terry created works of art, instructed workshops, and supported the visual and performing arts at the Farmington Valley Arts Center in Connecticut. She partnered with three women to form “Pottery Spectrum”, a collaborative ceramic art studio in Farmington. To be closer to family, she moved in 1996 to Little Falls, NY, which embraced her creativity, lively wit and boundless energy. Her new community benefitted greatly from her many talents as she made countless lasting and deep friendships which she cherished greatly. It was in Little Falls that she met her companion Louis Baum, with whom she shared her last decade of life. She opened “Tip’s Pottery” studio in the lower level of the Masonic Temple, making it her home. As a civic minded artist, she volunteered to raise awareness and generate funding for populations in need by donating her own artwork to various programs. In 2007, Terry was named Woman of Distinction by the Little Falls WCA. As a long-time member of the Mohawk Valley Center of the Arts Board of Directors, as well her role as pottery instructor, she was honored in 2011 for her outstanding artistic and collaborative efforts. Her tenure as President of the Little Falls Historical Society was a creative boon for the organization. As a proud member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, she was ever grateful for the supportive community that welcomed and appreciated her. Terry is survived by her son Charles Christopher Tippin, married to Caroline (Lyon) Tippin of Goshen, NY, daughter Amanda Yates (Tippin) Straney, married to Charles Straney, and her stepson Corey Grant Tippin of Bridgeport, CT. Her grandchildren include Alicia C. Tippin, Shannon M. Straney, Charles A. Straney, Hannah R. Straney, Samuel J. Straney, Sara P. Tippin, and Riley T. Tippin. In addition to her parents, Terry was predeceased by her husband, Charles Raymond Tippin and stepdaughter Nancy Jane (Tippin) Nye. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Terry’s Memorial Service at 11:00am on Saturday, May 6th. This will be held at the Masonic Temple in Little Falls, NY. There will be a light lunch provided after the service. Arrangements are by the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls, NY. The family extends special thanks to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care of New Hartford, NY who provided exceptional care towards Terry and family through her last days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, the Mohawk Valley Center of the Arts; 403 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY 13365 or the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 588 E. Albany St., Little Falls, NY 13365