Terry Lee Hydeman of Holly Lane, West Tisbury died in the early morning of Jan. 27. After a gallant 14-year battle with breast cancer, Terry departed with her eldest son by her side. Her seven-day stay at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital was punctuated with a constant stream of friends and family who came from across the country to say goodbye.

Terry Lee was born Feb., 8, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She experienced a childhood rich with travel, education and refinement much to the credit of her parents Betty Ann McKee and Albert Hydeman.

In 1948 painter Thomas Hart Benton invited the Hydemans to visit Martha’s Vineyard. Tom drew them a map to find their way to the Benton’s cottage on Menemsha Pond. The family fell in love with the Island and soon after built a home overlooking the Herring Creek.

Terry attended Abbott Academy (now Philips Andover) for high school and later the University of Michigan. Terry grew up surrounded by a world of art and ideas. She had a great fascination for language and knowledge of ancient history, an appreciation she embraced her whole life. In 1960 she traveled with her family to Rome, where she attended schools concluding with studies at the University of Florence. It was a magical time in Terry’s life; her knowledge of the language and culture led her to be a guide to her friends and family during her many return visits to Italy.

In 1966 Terry married David Seward of Chilmark. Terry met David as an employee of his parents’ at their General Store in Menemsha. Together the couple became the owners and operators of Seward’s Market, now known as the Menemsha Market. Quickly Terry became a loved member of the Chilmark community. She spent wonderful hours knitting sweaters on Eric Cottle’s dock while he mended his lobster pots and hosted many a sunset gathering on the back porch of the store, where her hollandaise sauce and Banana Goo became staples of up-Island cuisine.

Terry’s work included managing the store in Menemsha but was primarily with the U.S. Postal Service. She started as a part-time clerk in Menemsha and later found a full-time position in Edgartown. The Edgartown Post Office would be her home for the reminder of her career.

Among the places most special to Terry was Jerry Pond in Maine, a magical spot she introduced to the people she loved most. Everyone who visited Jerry Pond with Terry was touched for life by Vernald and Freda, fiddleheads and the song of the loons.

Terry touched the hearts of every person she met. Her home was a haven of generosity and openness. She gave a little bit of herself to every one. Terry lived a very quiet life with a resounding voice.

Terry is survived by her sons William Seward of New York city, and Mark Seward of West Tisbury, who faithfully and lovingly looked after his mother toward the end of her life. She also leaves six grandchildren, Mark, Jason, Jessica, Alexander Griffin, Zachary, and Anna; her brothers Edwin Hydeman of New York city and Lee Hydeman of Sonoita, Az.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her oldest brother, Albert Hydeman Jr. predeceased her in 1995.

Terry wished to express her love and gratitude to the doctors and caregivers at Dana-Farber and especially the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, without whom her last 14 years and very graceful passing would not have been possible.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at the Chilmark Community Center on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Bring a dish or just yourself.

Please send thoughts, experiences and photographs to tleehydeman@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.