YOUR SILENT NEIGHBORS, Gricelda Hewitt Terry, Churchwoman   
by David K. Leff
Town Poet Laureate and Deputy Town Historian

Born in New York City, Gricelda Hewitt Terry (d. 1922) was married to George Terry in Carlingford, Ontario and moved to Collinsville immediately thereafter.  The couple were together for nearly 50 years. 
  
She was very active in the work of Trinity Church and the Ruby Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a Masonic organization.   She served as president of a local whist club and in other offices.  She hosted club events at her house. 
  
Terry died of a massive heart attack while at home on Center Street.  In addition to her husband, she was survived by a son and two daughters.  Her daughters were with her when she died.  “She was a woman of superior intelligence,” wrote the Farmington Valley Herald, “and her passing on will be a matter of regret to an unusually large number of friends as well as to the immediate family.” 
  
The funeral was held at her home with Reverend Harry Perkins, rector of Trinity Church officiating.  It was “very largely attended.  Among the pallbearers were her husband and Claire Elston, future president of the Collins Company. 
  
Gricelda Hewitt Terry is buried in Dyer Cemetery, Canton. 
  
“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past. Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.