Terry Lea (Smith) Tatro

Terry Lea (Smith) Tatro, age 73 passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at Elizabethtown Community Hospital on March 27th, 2026.

She was born on February 10, 1953 in Ticonderoga, NY to William H. Smith and Agnes Julia Weston Smith, whom she is preceded by as well as brothers Billy Murdock, Larry Smith, Gary Smith, Patrick Smith and Leon Smith. Also she is preceded by the love of her life Roger R. Tatro whom she married on July 6th, 1996. Terry absolutely enjoyed spending every moment with Roger as they had a very special bond together which made them inseparable.

In Terry’s earlier years, she spent ten years in Connecticut where she was the first woman extrusion operator at Smith Gates and Adirondack in Farmington, CT. She also ran the original Mr. Softee’s ice cream truck in Bristol, CT. When returning home to Moriah, Terry worked at Earth’s Best baby food in Middlebury, VT. She then followed her passion for cooking by opening her own food truck in Moriah Center. Terry was well known in the community where she later opened her own restaurant known as TT’s Takeout. Terry was known for her great michigan sauce, chicken and biscuits and spaghetti. Not only was cooking one of her joys, but spending time with her family , friends and grandchildren was a big part of who she was. Terry’s pride and joy were her cats Mr. Tate, Laverne, Shirley and Little Guy. She also liked going on road trips, spending time outdoors and visiting the casino.

Terry is survived by her son, James Smith (Nicole Reil), her daughters, Agnes Julie (A.J.) Cox, Jennifer (Bill) Kaigle and Tamara (Joe) Boise. Terry is also survived by her sister Sharron Rice and very close friends Theresa Klingenberg, Sharlene Joiner, and Joanne Trombley. Terry is survived by numerous grandchildren, Bradley, Chloe, Hunter, Harper, Courtney, Anna, Evan, Jada, Boden; 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Per Terry’s wishes there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held April 17th at 11:00 am at the South Moriah Cemetery in Moriah. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Country SPCA.

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