Mary Christine Terlep passed away on Saturday, December 26th in Washington DC from complications of the Covid-19 virus.  She was 71 years old.

Mary was born in Elkhart, IN to Vince and Lucy Terlep and was the third of their seven children.  She was a graduate of Elkhart High School and Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT where she studied foreign language and literature, passions that she carried with her throughout her life.

After graduation, she developed a specialization in the complex field of medical records where she was at the forefront of the development of information technology systems to modernize records administration.  Her work carried her around the globe including a stint in Hong Kong where she helped create programs to modernize that nation's arcane systems.  In addition to her work outside the US, she worked on development of medical records systems for the US Army and served as the Head of Medical Records at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD as well as several other major medical institutions.

Despite her cerebral professional endeavors, those who knew Mary would more often recall her near child-like enthusiasm and generosity as the hallmarks of her character.  She never tired in her efforts to celebrate family and friends and brought her joy and spirit to the simplest of events.  The girl liked to have fun.

She settled near family in Arlington, VA and was Aunt Mary to a score of nieces and nephews who embraced her as the personification of the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus rolled into one.  It is safe to say that she understood the joy of giving.

Her love was not limited to her family and friends.  Over the years she was always the doting parent of an adorable cocker spaniel – currently named Oreo.  He will miss her the most.

She is survived by her sisters Elizabeth (Betsy) Terlep and Ellie Suhl and brother Rich Terlep and was predeceased by her parents and brothers Vince, Jon and Bruce.

The virus that took her life prevents us from having a normal memorial and celebration of her life.  She will have a Christian burial next to her parents in Elkhart, IN with the hope that a future memorial will be possible.

In her memory, please direct any contributions to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington 2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington, VA  22206

Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home. Elkhart, where condolences may be sent to Mary's family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

Animal Welfare League of Arlington
2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington VA 22206
Tel: 1-703-931-9241
Email: mail@awla.org
Web: http://www.awla.org