Terese I. (Terri) Meilus, 56, died on Saturday July 20, 2013 in St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester of complications after being stricken at home. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years Deacon Eduardas V. Meilus, and three children, son Antanas E. Meilus of Malden and His wife Catherine, daughter Jurate T. Meilus of Millbury and daughter Sigute A. Meilus of New Bedford. She also leaves her mother Gene Gaidelis of Omaha, Nebraska, a brother Vitalis C. Gaidelis of South Dakota, two nieces, two great-nephews and many other relatives in the United States, Canada, and Lithuania.
      Terri was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin the daughter of the late Vitalis Gaidelis, Sr. and Gene (Smailys) Gaidelis and with family moved to Omaha, Nebraska as a child. She graduated from Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School and the College of St. Mary both in Omaha. She earned her BA in graphic arts and design with a minor in theology. She completed graduate studies at Creighton University in Omaha and was pursuing a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies with Youth Ministry emphasis through the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, IL. Terri was a certified Coordinator of Religious Education and held a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center of Ministry Development. Terri was a professed Passionist Associate and a Partner with Catholics on Call.
     Most recently Terri worked for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester as Coordinator of Programs and Program Development for the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry and for the former Oakhurst Retreat and Conference Center which the Diocesan Youth Ministry Office administered. Previously she worked as the Coordinator of Religious Education at St. Christopher parish and St. Joan of Arc parish both in Worcester. She also worked at the Catholic Free Press for a time. The genuine hospitality shown to all and her love of young people were the hallmarks of her ministry. This is her legacy. Terri has touched the lives of many and is fondly remembered.
Terri was a member of the Daughters of Isabella St. Katharine Drexel Circle # 1398, The Worcester Diocesan Mixed Choir, the Lithuanian Choir at St. John Parish, Worcester, the Holy Family Retreat Center (West Hartford, CT) Music Ministry and was the local retreat promoter for the Holy Family Retreat Center. She was a member of the Lithuanian Scouts Association Girls Division and Collegiate Division for nearly fifty years, having served in various leadership positions locally and nationally.
     Terri enjoyed drawing in pen and ink and working in other media, photography, gardening and traveling.
     Henry-Dirsa Funeral Service is assisting the family with final arrangements. Visitation/Calling Hours will be at the Henry-Dirsa Funeral Home 33 Ward Street Worcester, MA 01610 on Thursday July 25,2013 from 5:00-7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Friday July 26, 2013 in St. Mark Church, 356 Boston Rd. Sutton, MA 01590. Principal Celebrant and Homilist will be Rev. Michael A. DiGeronimo, pastor. Those planning on participating in the Funeral Mass are respectfully requested to travel directly to the church. Burial will be immediately following the Mass in Worcester County Memorial Park Paxton, MA . Please omit flowers.