Terry Vatter

Terry Vatter, 76, longtime resident of Tyrone, NY, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 10, 2025. Terry was born in Corvallis, Oregon, and moved with her mother to Ithaca in 1960. She graduated from Ithaca High School and then went to Portland State University to be closer to her father. There she met Gary Redmond with whom she would have her first two sons, Asa and Simeon.

Both of her parents were college professors, and she later earned a master's degree and taught high school mathematics at TST Community School, after working many other jobs. She met and married Bill Culpepper in the early 1980s, and they enjoyed 43 years of marriage in the home they built themselves on their beautiful property in Tyrone, along with another son, Andy.

Terry had many passions in life, one of which was education. She was a beloved and respected teacher, who never failed to see the good qualities in each and every student no matter their background in life.

Another great passion of hers was cooking, and whether it was old family recipes or new ones she had learned herself, she would invariably put together a stunning array of delicious dishes for any family gathering, of which there were many.

Above all, Terry was devoted to her family. She was warm, kind, and unfailingly supportive of her three sons, and made it a point to spend as much quality time as possible with each of the five grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her sister Rita Jett of Depoe Bay, OR, brother Marc Vatter of Nashua, NH, children Asa (Stephanie) Redmond, Simeon (Cheyenne) Redmond and Andrew (Jenny) Culpepper all of the Ithaca area, and grandchildren Gavin, Jezebel, Tristan, Shell Redmond and Wesley Culpepper.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to National Public Radio.

A celebration of life will be held on September 20th, 2025 at Lodi Point State Park starting at 1 pm.

Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.