Terri Sue Longhurst, 51, of Laramie, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Born March 5, 1968 in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Wyoming, Arizona and Pennsylvania.
Terri moved to Laramie in 1988 and graduated from the University of Wyoming with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. She then went on to receive her Ph.D. from Colorado State University in 2014.
Terri’s career spanned multiple non-profit organizations, including Head Start and the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, all dedicated to serving the community and helping those in need. She was the Executive Director for Hospice of Laramie for the last 12 years.
She loved the outdoors, whether it was snowshoeing, running with her dogs, or sleeping under the stars on her patio. In the colder months, she could be found at her quilting table, enjoying both the creativity and precision of the discipline. When the weather warmed, she was often found watching the sunset from her porch after a long day of planting the season’s flowers.
While she enjoyed the solitude offered by nature, she deeply loved spending time with both friends and family. Whether it was sitting by the fire laughing with a glass of wine, or celebrating the holidays with an ever-growing family, Terri spread joy to all those who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Sandra Furman.
She is survived by her father, Lee Dunning Longhurst; her sons, Tucker Lee Herrera (Amanda), Colin Andrew Longhurst (Kylie) and Aiden Louis Pepe; her sisters, Julie LaCroix and Jacqueline Hilliard; and her brothers, John Harris, Dean Hilliard and David Ritter.
The Celebration of Life will be held this Saturday, 2/29, from 1:00-4:00pm at the Laramie Train Depot, 600 S 1st St, Laramie, WY 82072.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Terri’s youngest son’s college savings account or a charitable organization of your choosing that provides services to those in need. To contribute to the college fund, please make checks payable to Edward Jones FBO Aiden Pepe and post them to Edward Jones, 1156 N 22nd St, Binford Square Suite B, Laramie, WY 82072.
To say Terri's loss will be felt does not begin to express the number of people whose life she eased, the volume and depth of her life work at Head Start and Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND). Laramie further benefited from her dedication to our community with the care facility built by Hospice of Laramie through her fundraising efforts. Her family is not alone in their loss.
I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I had the pleasure of working with her and enjoying her friendship at WIND. She was a very special lady. She spoke often of her boys. She will be missed. Mary Comin
Collin, Tucker and Aiden, Your Mom was the best of Laramie. I will remember your Mom as a person with a generous heart, a giving soul, a determined character, an intelligent inquisitive mind and beautiful smile. She was committed to her whole family and very proud of her boys, whom she talked about often. The Parish family continues to send loving prayers to all of you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Terri's family and friends. She was a vibrant and compassionate lady who gave so much to Hospice. Terri is a true example of someone who made a difference in the lives of those around her.
Dear Colin, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Bridget Dermody - UW, BMI
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother to you and your family.
Colin - very sorry for your loss. my deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
Dear Colin and family, I'm very sorry to hear about Terri's unexpected death. Please take good care of each other through this most difficult of times. Sue Carlson
I'm very sorry for your loss, Colin. Wishing you my deepest condolence--Emmanuel
What an amazing lady! Gone too soon. Running non-profit organizations, raising three wonderful sons, and getting Ph.D at 45 years old! Let's celebrate her life. Rest in Peace, Dr. Terri Sue Longhurst. Sorry for your loss, Collin.
So very sorry for your loss Colin! -Kelly Miller UW BMI
Our deepest sympathy and loving thoughts to Terri's family and friends.
Terri gave her heart and soul to others especially her boys. She will be remembered for her kindness and giving . So, so sorry for the loss of your mother Tucker, Collin and Aiden. The Kmetz family will continue to keep Terri and you all in our hearts.