Theresa B. “Terry” Calabrese, 100, peacefully passed away on Nov. 28 at the Gladeview Health Care Center in Old Saybrook after a brief illness.

Terry was born on Nov. 12, 1921, in Steubenville, Ohio, the daughter of the late Pasquale and Mary Russillo Calabrese. The family moved shortly after her birth to Wallingford, where she resided until moving to Essex in 2011. She was a graduate of Lyman Hall High School and Larson Junior College, and an honorary graduate of Quinnipiac University. Terry was a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church, Wallingford and of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Essex.

She began her long career in the sports world at Yale University where she was executive secretary to Business Manager of Athletics and of Yale Golf W.H. “Widdy” Neale. She continued her career with The Connecticut State Golf Association (CSGA) for more than 40 years, serving as assistant to the executive director. Terry had the opportunity to meet many great amateur and professional athletes, coaches, Olympians, sports writers, broadcasters, Hollywood stars, and President Gerald Ford.

Terry was a championship golfer, having won club tournaments at Wallingford, The Farms, and Yale Golf courses. She was a fixture at all CSGA tournaments throughout Connecticut and was beloved by all. In 1981 she was named the first female member of the CSGA Executive Committee, and in 1994 was inducted into The Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame. She was an honorary member of the CSGA Board of Directors up until her death. Terry was also active with the Connecticut Women’s Golf Association (CWGA) serving on various committees, and a member of the USGA. While golf was her primary sport, Terry was an avid New York Yankees fan and a follower of Formula One racing.

Terry loved to travel, especially if there was a golf course to enjoy. She and her sister Helen traveled in Europe, Canada, and the USA, often for a Formula One Grand Prix. She made many friends during her travels including with those who followed the racing circuit. Terry also loved New York City, attending the theater and dining at favorite restaurants, as well as shopping. She enjoyed local theater as well at the Shubert, Oakdale, Goodspeed, and Ivoryton Playhouse. She lived her life to the fullest and always had a kind word for everyone.

She is survived by her devoted nephew and caretakers Robert Wuchert, Jr., and his wife Lauren of Centerbrook. Additional survivors include nephews William Dupre and his wife Candace, David Calabrese, and Victor Calabrese, Jr., and his wife Heather; nieces Merla Porter and her husband Rob and Marcella Dunham; and cousin Geraldine Lombard, as well as other cousins, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews in the Calabrese and Russillo families.

Terry was predeceased by her sisters Mary Dupre, Susanne Wuchert, and Helen Calabrese and her brothers Nicholas and Victor Calabrese.

There are no calling hours. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery, Wallingford, at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT. For her online obituary, please visit www.wallingfordfh.com.