In Loving Memory of Jeanne Moss Terrell August 21, 1941 – September 13, 2025

Jeanne Moss Terrell, a woman of strength and quiet resilience, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 84.

Jeanne was born on August 21, 1941, in Middletown, Connecticut, the only child of Herbert Moss and Stella Ginardi. Though she lost her beloved mother to cancer when she was just a baby, Jeanne carried forward both her parents' spirit: her mother's enduring strength, and her father's deep appreciation for the natural world. Jeanne was especially proud of her heritage as an 11th-generation descendant of John Moss, one of the original settlers of New Haven, Wallingford, and Cheshire, Connecticut in the mid-1600s—a lineage she cherished with quiet pride.

A gifted student and caregiver at heart, Jeanne pursued nursing with determination. She spent two years at Temple University before completing her degree at Abington Memorial Hospital, where she earned both a bachelor's and a nursing degree. Shortly after graduating, she bravely ventured to New York City, where she walked into the newly opened NYU Hospital with her degree in hand—and was hired on the spot. Her mentor there quickly recognized her talent and dedication, and Jeanne rose to become Head Nurse, overseeing four medical units with compassion and competence beyond her years.

In 1970, Jeanne made the choice to step away from her career to raise her children, Nancy and Gordon, with her husband Charles "Charlie" Terrell. Later in life, Jeanne returned to the workforce, first as a real estate agent alongside Charlie, then back to the healthcare field, where she worked in marketing and case management. Toward the end of her career she became a Hospice administrator who compassionately assisted families through end of life care. This experience helped her to make strong bonds with the nurses that cared for her at the end of her life. She retired in September 2007, closing a long chapter of service to others.

Jeanne had a deep love for travel and culture. She spoke often of her journeys to Hong Kong, Austria, and Italy, marveling at the beauty of the world and the people within it. She also found great joy closer to home, especially in the Texas Hill Country, where she explored small vineyards and hidden gems with her dear friends in her retirement years. Her love of travel exposed her to the culinary delights of new cultures, which helped fuel her love of cooking. She was adept at many styles, one of her favorites being Italian.

As a child, Jeanne found magic in the snow. She fondly remembered winters spent sledding and one special year when her father built her an igloo—a simple yet enduring memory that spoke to the love between them.

Later in life, Jeanne came to faith in Jesus Christ. Her spiritual journey was filled with thoughtful questioning and quiet reflection. In her final weeks, she embraced her faith with peace and gratitude, proudly accepting the gift of salvation.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Bittner, and son-in-law, John Bittner; her son, Gordon Terrell, and daughter-in-law, Marianna Sabatino; and her beloved grandchildren, Evan, Bryce, and Kallie Bittner, who brought immense pride and joy to her life. Jeanne was preceded in death by her mother, Stella, in 1942, and her father, Herbert, who lived to the age of 97 and passed in 2007.

True to her adventurous spirit, Jeanne requested that her remains be lovingly scattered in the Gulf of America near North Padre Island, where she shared some of her happiest moments with Charlie, Nancy, and Gordon.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, where friends and family will gather to honor her life, her stories, and the love she gave so freely. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanne's memory may be made to The Samaritan Inn or Homes for Our Troops, honoring her lifelong compassion for helping those in need and those who have boldly served our country.

Her story was one of quiet strength, deep love, and a life well-lived. Jeanne Moss Terrell will be dearly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.