Terri Priest

Terri Priest, (Theresa Khoury Struckus), internationally recognized artist, 86, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2014 in her home, with her sons at her side, just as she would have wanted. She was born in Worcester on January 20, 1928 and was the daughter of Anna and Joseph J. Khoury. She was a constant student of art, taking many courses at the Worcester Art Museum School. Terri was offered a part-time teaching position at the Museum School in the Adult Educational Division, where she taught from 1967 to 1976. She took several enrichment courses at Quinsigamond Community College, and later with the encouragement of the Iris Egan of Northborough, MA, transferred to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst as a student in the University Without Walls Program, where she earned a BFA in 1975 and a MFA in 1977. After receiving her MFA she was offered a position at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, where she taught from 1978 to 1993. Terri had been married to the late Edward J. Struckus, former Superintendant of Parks and Recreation for the City of Worcester. She leaves her two sons, Michael J. Struckus of Sterling, MA and Dr. Joseph E. Struckus and his wife Dr. Lisa Wojan of New Preston, CT. She leaves her nieces and nephews, Christina Dadah Schultz of South Dartmouth, MA, James McCoy, Jr. and his wife Susan of Worcester, Joseph Dadah and his wife Hope of Worcester, Jean Dadah Connors and her husband Timothy of Sutton, MA, Paul Dadah and his wife Kristen, of West Boylston, MA, and David Jakstis and his wife Pamela of Andover, Kansas; grandnephews, Khoury McCoy, Matthew and Michael Dadah. Terri was predeceased by her three sisters, Mary Jakstis, Evelyn McCoy, and Emma Dadah. Terri was the recipient of many awards for her artistic talent and modest philanthropic contributions to many social organizations that focused on issues of homelessness, education and civil rights. She organized the first "Art for AIDS Sake" benefit in 1991, calling on gifts from New England artists, whose works were sold at auction. The event was an overwhelming success, netting over $18,000. Terri was committed to Abby's House, a shelter for battered women and children; to the Nativity School which enables young boys from disadvantaged areas to finish elementary school and enables them to attend private and public high schools. Terri was happiest when she was learning, and always believed that education was the engine that would keep cities, communities, and the world a better place, affording opportunities for all who would take the time and interest to follow their dreams. The Worcester Art Museum was also of major interest. Beginning at the age of 14, it was a refuge and inspirational venue that nurtured her creative talents, which she frequently used to benefit others. Later, her contributions to the Worcester Art Museum as a member, Corporator, Educator, and personal public relations enthusiast spanned her entire life from the 1960's to the present. Among the many awards she was honored with, were the Frances Kinnicutt Travel Award, 1972, which enabled Terri to travel to Europe to study the great masters; The Greater Worcester Community Foundation Award in 1985; 12th Annual Arts Award from Arts Worcester in 1994; Dorland Mountain Artist Colony Award in 1987; Tufts University Summer Institution Media Arts, Cambridge, MA, 1978; and numerous Special Faculty Fellowships, Research and Publication, College of The Holy Cross, 82, 83, 86, 87, 88, and 1989. Terri was on the advisory panel for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities, traveling to and evaluating art programs in Central and Western Massachusetts in 1980 and 1988. Her commissions include the most recent "Paths to Divine Light Through Vermeer's Lens", Holy Cross College, 2008; "Portrait of Saint Francis de Sales", Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, VA, 2004; Hope Lodge, Worcester, MA, 1987; Central New England College, Worcester 1987; Eleanor Ettinger Atelier, New York, NY, 1985; Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA 1984; Worcester Bicentennial Commission, Worcester, 1976. Terri's paintings are in the permanent collection of Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA; William H. Lane Collection, Lunenburg, MA; Visiting Nurse Association , Worcester, MA; Fitchburg Public Library, Fitchburg, MA ; Banque de la Societe Europeane, Paris, France; Federal Reserve Bank, Boston, MA; Mead Paper Corporation, New York, NY; California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland, CA; Duxbury Art Complex, Duxbury, MA; DeCordova Museum, Lincoln, MA; Bundy Art Center, Waitsfield, VT; Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, MA; Assumption College, Worcester, MA; Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, VA; College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA; Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA; VNA Hospice, Worcester, MA; and in over 300 private collections throughout the United States. Terri's wishes were for no calling hours or formal services. A Memorial Service will be organized at the convenience of her family. There is an online register book for her family at www.mercadantefuneral.com.