Thelma Silverman

Date of Death: August 25, 2008

Thelma T. “Terri” Silverman passed away on Monday, Aug. 25, 2008 (her mother’s birthday) at Hunterdon Medical Center. She was 73. Born in 1934 in New York City, she was the daughter of Max and Mollie (Schneider) Silverman. Terri lived in Franklin Township for more than 35 years. She attended City College of New York and held a B.A. in biology. Terri worked for Merck Pharmaceuticals in both Rahway and Readington Township. Terri enjoyed many of the arts — music, pottery and stained glass. But, most of all she loved her dogs. As president of the Collie and Ibizan Rescue of Central New Jersey, she found homes for a great many otherwise unwanted dogs. Surviving her are a sister, Harriet Lewis of Queens; two nephews, Fred Lewis of Olean, N.Y. and Ronald Lewis of Boca Raton, Fla. and their spouses; three great-nieces and one great-nephew; and her five collies and two Ibizan hounds. Her body was cremated through arrangement of the Robert L. Ford Funeral Home in Flemington and her ashes will be spread upon the Atlantic Ocean, where she will swim with the dolphins, as she always wished to do. Memorial donations can be made to Collie and Ibizan Rescue of Central New Jersey, c/o Holly Huff, 1003 Croton Road, Pittstown 08867.

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I just learned today as this was sent to an older email address and I am crying as I am writing this. I adopted two of my collies through Terri and still have one with me. She was one of the most devoted and most caring women I have ever known. My prayers are with her and her family and I know she was welcomed at the rainbow bridge by so many...including my Annie who she helped me during her passing and within days I rescued another collie.. With love and tears, Corrine Bellini

Dearest Harriett - All our love and sympathy goes to you and your family at a time like this. You do know how special Terri was to us and she will be missed.

Dear Harriet: I am a member of CRCNJ and met Terri through the rescue. She had a great heart and loved all the dogs that came through rescue. I'm glad I got to meet and know her well. Joanne

As one of Terri's non-rescue friends - she had been a part of our family for many years. She would always say she could remember the first time we meet, I was pregnant with our son (GJ), who just turned 28-Labor day. And that our daughter, Stacy, (now 30 with two boys of her own) was like a little princess. Terri was almost always included in family celebrations. She saw many a brithday, anniversary, holiday, picnic and wedding with us. There was one year Terri adopted whales for my children, as Christmas presents. With that so special - we took her on our vacation to Cape Cod and whale watching, not once but twice. She was so happy to see those magnificent creatures so close. Within the many years, my husband, Gary, did major repairs and renovations to her house and was her handyman on call for some time. She had some eccentric tastes but she was entitled. Her wish was to have her sister close, so with the addition of a modular home it looked like a reality. But her continuos smoking was detrimental to Harriet and delayed the move to the point of it not happening. I was so very happy to have given her the time needed the last few days with running to doctors and for tests. And above all was the hardest to watch her pass away while Harriet and I held her hands. She is in a place for special people and she will always be remembered.

I met Terri a short time ago when she was trying to find a home for Ben, the dog who liked chickens. She came to PETCO a few times with him. He did find a home. I found her to be such a caring person. I think of her often. I miss her emails and phone calls.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Terri was the kindest person I knew. She quickly became a friend and mentor to me and I still can't imagine the world without her.

I will always remember Terri for her soft-spoken, caring demeanor. Her love and dedication to the breed I love, Collies, was unending and determined. I will miss her and always remember and appreciate all she has done.

August 25th was the day when all animals, especially her most beloved breeds, lost a true friend and tireless advocate. Terri never gave up on the dogs in rescue, and because of her, many now have such wonderful lives and loving homes. I'm sure there was quite a gathering at the Bridge for Terri, many wagging tails and shining eyes, and sweet doggie kisses. I'll miss her very much and will never forget her. Rest in peace, Terri. Monica

An Angel has crossed the bridge and I know there were many there waiting to great Terri. Collie Rescue of the Carolinas

It was through Terri and her Rescue Organization that I adopted my Laddie. I was part of the transport, and meant to foster him, but as usually happens, couldn't give him up. Terri was dedicated beyond belief to the needs of the dogs, and worked tirelessly to help as many as she could. I am glad to have met her, worked with her even just a little, and made contacts with other caring Rescue people. She will be missed.

To Terri Family I send my deepest condolences at the loss of such a great person with a bright shinning spirit. I got my last dog through Terri and sometimes helped with home checks and pickups. It was my pleasure do to anything for her as she did so much for me. I can't believe she is gone and I miss her emails with stories or jokes or that another dog needed help. The world will not be the same without her but we know she is in heaven surrounded by loving animals and God....I miss you Terri and thanks so much for all you have done while you walked the earth.....Love Dani

Happy Birthday Terri

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.