Obituary of Mary Teresa Palumbo

We are saddened to share the passing of Terri on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the age of 69. After living with ALS with the most remarkable strength and grace, Terri passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering love that will be cherished forever.

Terri is survived by her devoted husband, Domenic, and her loving children, Lisa McLean (Kris), Marc Palumbo (Amy), and Lianna Merlino (Paul). She was a proud and cherished Nanna to Aiden, Sophia, Noel, Liam, Faye, Mila, and Beau, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Predeceased by her beloved parents, Royce and Teresa Cudmore, brother Rod Cudmore and sister Karen Cudmore. Terri is lovingly remembered by her siblings Jeff Cudmore (Cindy), Bart Cudmore (Agnes), Greg Cudmore (Johanna), Kelly Cudmore (Ed), and Jennifer Lever (Sean).

Terri is survived by her mother-in-law, Pina Palumbo, and is predeceased by her father-in-law, Vince Palumbo. She was also a devoted sister-in-law to Dean Palumbo (Joyce), Enzo Palumbo, and Frank Palumbo (Nancy), and a much-loved aunt to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and their significant others.

She was also blessed with lifelong friendships with the families of Virginia and Brian Bouchard, Lori and Ken Morrar, Bev and the late Robin Nyberg, Barry and the late Debbie Sims, and Al and the late Rose Esson, whose love, support, and companionship meant so much to her over the years. Those friendships became an extension of her family and will be forever treasured. She had a special bond with her cousins Hilda and Joe DeFranco, who became some of her closest friends and treasured companions over the years.

Terri dedicated 37 years to ASCU Community First Credit Union, where she began her career as a teller and, through her hard work and dedication, progressed through many roles over the years. More than a workplace, ASCU became a source of many cherished friendships that she treasured and maintained throughout her life. She loved her ASCU ladies and looked forward to lunches and gatherings with them long after she retired.

Terri found joy in life's simple pleasures. She had a deep love for horses and dogs and always treasured the time she spent with them. She also found great joy in birdwatching, hanging bird feeders and planting flowers around her home to encourage their visits. Cardinals held a special place in her heart, as she found comfort in believing their visits were a reminder of loved ones who had gone before her.

Above all else, however, her greatest happiness came from her family. She was happiest when everyone was together, creating memories, sharing laughter, and celebrating life's moments, both big and small. Time spent with her “grandbabies” was her greatest joy. She treasured every opportunity to visit with them, attend their sporting events and activities, and enthusiastically cheer them on in all they pursued.

Terri's warmth, kindness, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, cared for, and loved. While her family and friends will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing that her love, compassion, and gentle spirit will remain with them always.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to all of the health care professionals who cared for Terri. We are truly grateful to the ALS team at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, nurses and PSWs with Bayshore and CarePartners, the team at Ontario Health at Home, especially Krista Greenwood, and the nurses in the Emergency, ICU and 3B departments. We would like to extend special recognition to Dr. Nikki Apostle, who guided our family through the later stages of Terri’s ALS with a level of care and compassion that was truly amazing. In Terri’s final stages of life, the team at ARCH were simply wonderful, and found ways to exceed their remarkable reputation. There were so many extraordinary caregivers who walked alongside Terri over the past several months. You became more than caregivers—you became part of our family. Your compassion, patience, and unwavering kindness brought Terri comfort, dignity, and peace throughout her journey. You made an incredibly difficult time so much easier, and for that, we will be forever grateful.

In keeping with Terri's wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no formal funeral service.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To honour Terri’s wish, the family invites you to dress comfortably (gentlemen, leave your ties at home). 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Grand Gardens North from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The gathering will be informal, with guests welcome to come and go as they wish, reflecting Terri's love of bringing people together to celebrate life's special moments. To honour Terri's memory, those attending are invited to wear something blue, her favourite colour.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) or ALS Canada would be sincerely appreciated.