Theresa “Terry” Jones a longtime Oak Harbor resident, went to the Lord on June 18, 2012, at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville with her son and daughter-in-law at her side. She was 94 years old.

Terry was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1917, the only daughter of Frank and Cesira Cernese, first generation Americans who had immigrated from Naples, Italy. Terry had four brothers, Frank, Herbert, Willie and Ben Cernese. She was close to them and their wives all of her life. She met and married James J. Jones, Sr. in 1941. They remained married for 57 years until his death in 1998. They traveled with her brother Frank and sister-in-law Carol Cernese annually for years.

Terry lived most of her life in Brooklyn, the city where she was born and loved. Illness prompted a move to live with her son and daughter-in-law in 1997, where she quickly became an active participant in the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Terry loved the poker and bingo games and especially loved the trips to the casinos. Terry was blessed with two great caregivers, companions and friends, Deloris Jetton and Gail Papp, who spent countless hours accompanying her on her daily outings and introducing her to McDonald ice cream sundaes.

Terry weekly is survived by her son, Cmdr. J.J.Jones JR USN (Ret) and his wife Kathy of Oak Harbor; and a daughter, Patricia Thompson of Glen Burnie, Md. A great joy of her life was the time she spent with her brothers and their families and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Big family gatherings in their Brooklyn home happened frequently over the years. The after dinner entertainment was poker around the dining room table, while children played throughout the house.

Terry made each of her grandchildren feel special. She loved them all: Brian and Donna Jones of Oak Harbor, Meghan and Sean Whitacre of San Leandro Calif., Casey and Sean Skinner of Glen Burnie, Md., Jameson Collins of Glen Burnie, Md., and Samantha Collins of Wilson, N.C.

Great grandchildren brought big smiles to her face. They include Jacalyn and Julia Heffelfinger of Oak Harbor, Torrin Whitacre of San Leandro, Calf., Logan, Kyra, Hunter and Logan Skinner of Glen Burnie, Md.

The family is grateful to Careage of Whidbey for providing respite and excellent care. Special thanks to the nursing and east side staff and Becca in the activities room for her friendship with Terry and the wild manicures she provided weekly. Terry was so proud of her nails. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Terry’s memory to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Island County, 913 East Whidbey Avenue, Oak Harbor, WA or Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St. Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

Funeral services will be coordinated by Gary Wallin of Wallin funeral home and conducted within the rites of the Catholic Church by Rev. Philip Raether of St. Augustine Church on June 27 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a visitation at the church at 9 a.m. and rosary at 9:30 a.m. prior to the funeral mass. We invite you to join us in prayer and thanksgiving for a life well lived. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.