Remembering, Embracing Her Light: 1982 RFH Grad Terri Rowett, 57

My little sister Terri was a light. Sometimes she burned bright and brilliant; other times she merely sparkled … As she traveled, explored, and embraced her worlds, Terri connected with people for a moment or a lifetime; once she made a connection, she cherished it. My heart is broken. I will miss her desperately. ~ Chris Rowett Peter

A light. Always glistening. Shining. Lighting the way to welcome every connection in her universe. Wrapping each in a tight hug of warm, ferocious illumination.

That’s how Rumson-raised Teresa Ann Rowett, better known as Terri or TT, was seen. The youngest of five sisters and one brother, the third sister to pass away, the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Class of 1982 graduate died suddenly at Shore Point Health in Port Charlotte, on Aug. 22. She was 57. Her life was celebrated on Sunday.

This is how she is remembered …

“She knew heartbreak and loss, and leaned on her enduring friendship to learn and live through difficult times,” family said in her obituary. “She also celebrated love, her successes, and the good fortunes of those she loved. After dinner with friends last week, she texted to remind me that ‘We are blessed.'”

Terri knew that heartbreak and loss all too well. Her sister Kit passed away in 2017 and Betsy in 2010. The news of Terri’s sudden death was announced to longtime friends by sister Chris along with some memories of her baby sister and some shining moments of hers.

“As the youngest of six children, TT, as she was known, fought for attention and her time in the spotlight. She got it, charming friends, neighbors, co-workers, and cousins with her giving spirit and loyalty throughout her life. She convinced those who met her that the TT stood for Terrific Terri, not the Terrible Terri her siblings had used to tease her …
She loved horses, was an accomplished rider, loved skiing, the beach, her pets, drum circles, her VW Bugs, her Caesar salads, old movies and television. Nothing made her heart shine more than being around her children: Andrew and his wife Justine, Nichole, and Kristien. She loved them unconditionally and fiercely. Her glow also reached our mother and many others, especially her beloved dog Penelope. Terri loved Penelope almost as much as she loved Solomon, a dog from her past. He was not her dog. Still, she was convinced that she and Solly were soul mates …
It is no coincidence that (her children) Andrew, Nichole, and Kristien have also developed and maintained lifelong friendships and love in their lives. Their mother knew the importance of that.”
Loved ones of Terri Rowett in her obituary

There were many other sorts of star power moments in Terri’s life when if her light wasn’t shining quite bright enough for the world to see, she’d take the opportunity to amp it up a little, at least for a laugh.

“In 2009, Terri and her sister Kit were proud volunteer members of Bruce Springsteen’s Super Bowl halftime show crew in Tampa,” family said. “They attended the mandatory rehearsals, then practiced and mastered the detailed maneuvers of constructing and disassembling the on-field set. As the hundreds of volunteers exited the football field after the show, Terri decided it wasn’t enough for her to be just a member of the stage crew; she was to be part of the show. So she did a somersault as she left the field of Raymond James Stadium.”

“She was so proud of that,” Terri’s brother Ted remembers.

Then there were her roller derby days …

“She discovered and embraced her other family — her roller derby family — in Florida. When she became Danger Girl, she had found her people. She was accepted, embraced, and seen. She was appreciated, supported, and loved, for every quirk, talent, and light that lived in her.”

The countless moments before, after and in between shine on with the memory of Terri “TT” Rowett.

More about Terri …

Raised in Rumson, Terri lived in Milwaukee, WI for a short time before moving to Florida. In Rumson, she was a Rumson Country Day, Forrestdale School Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School graduate. She earned an associate’s degree in Nursing from Brookdale Community College and was a private duty nurse in both New Jersey and Florida.

Nothing made her happier or more proud than her children: Andrew and his wife Justine, Nichole, and Kristien, who survive her. She loved them unconditionally and fiercely.

In addition to her children, Terri is survived by her mother, Eileen Rowett-Brons, of Sarasota; her brother, Ted Rowett, of Easton, MD; two sisters, Victoria Rowett, of Sarasota, and Chris Peter, of Catonsville, MD; and countless loved ones.

She was predeceased by her father, Pete Rowett, in 1977; her sister, Liz, or Betsy to RFH people, in 2010; and her sister, Kit, in 2017.

Rest In Peace, Terri. Shine on …

Terri’s life celebration was held on Sunday in Florida. She was a warrior for peace and our planet. Donations in her memory may be made to Save the Manatee at https://www.savethemanatee.org/ or Clean Ocean Action in New Jersey at https://cleanoceanaction.org/about-coa