AMSTERDAM — Mrs. Karen T. Terleckey of Amsterdam, a hardworking woman who loved her family, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was 78.

A lifelong area resident, she was born on March 26, 1941, the daughter of the late Anthony and Olive Westfall Orsini. Mrs. Terleckey graduated from Berne-Knox High School and later Mildred Elley Business School. She then went to work for General Electric for a short time.

On Sept. 15, 1962, she was united in marriage to Stephen Terleckey Sr. That union was blessed for 48 years until his untimely passing on Aug. 29, 2011.

“Karen was a hard worker all of her life and was an integral part of the family business,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She enjoyed family trips and vacations, playing card games, and crossword. Karen was also an accomplished Scrabble player.

“In their retirement, Karen and Stephen purchased what is now known as Karen’s Produce. This family legacy was something they wanted to share and pass on to their family. Karen was also well known at all of the local farm markets in the area and was well respected.

“She took great pride in her home, and it was always a center for parties, holidays, and special celebrations. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.”

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Karen T. Terleckey is survived by two sons. Stephen Terleckey Jr. and his wife, Tricia, and Dean Terleckey; three daughters, Mary Beth Rackowski and her husband. Steven, Sherry O’Brien, and Deanna Nelson and her husband. Jeff; one sister, Helen Gerry; one sister-in-law, Noma Terleckey; 10 grandchildren, Kayla, Mariah, Andrew, Matthew, Ryan, Courtney (Cornelius), Brock (Lauren), Cole, Travis, and Jenna; one great-granddaughter, Bethany; three step-grandchildren, Jason (Stacy), Caralee (Chad), and Robert (Gina); four step-great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kennedy, Raffaele, and Reese; two lifelong best friends, Anne Turner and Mary Lou Burby; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her husband, Stephen Terleckey Sr., died before her as did her sons, John and Michael, and her  son-in-law, Vern O’Brien Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home at 171 Guy Park Avenue in Amsterdam. The Panachyda Prayer Service will take place at 5 p.m.

Funeral services are private. Burial will take place in St. Nicholas Cemetery.

Memorial messages may be left at AltamontEnterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Post Office Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Avenue, MC-119, Albany, NY 12208.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.