The MTA regrets to inform you of the death of Teresa R. Dudiak, wife of retired D/Sgt Jon Dudiak. The MTA sends it’s deepest condolences to the Dudiak family during this difficult time.
The following obituary has been reprinted from the Adams Family funeral Home, Cumberland Md.
Teresa Renee (Ware) Dudiak, 63, of LaVale, passed away Saturday evening, May 15, 2021, after a short, but intense battle with AML leukemia.
Diagnosed on April 4, 2021, she showed a courage and toughness in her that had never been evident to many, but did so while all the time displaying grace and never once asking “why me”.
Terri was born July 14, 1957, in Cumberland, the daughter of the late Donald C. Ware Sr. and Phyllis A. (Young) Ware.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Kyler R. Dudiak; brother, Donald C. Ware Jr.; her mother-in-law, Joan M. (MacFarlane) Dudiak; father-in-law, John Dudiak; sister-in-law, Mary J. Johnston;, and special cousin, Ramona Holland.
She is survived by her husband of over 35 years, Jon B. Dudiak; son, J. Cole Dudiak and wifeLori; son, J. Cade Dudiak and wifeKaitlyn; daughter, Taylor L. Dudiak; and grandchildren, Josiah, Cylas, Jaisley, Lyric, Hosea, Ezraela, Alessia, and Kyler.
She is also survived by a brother, Rick L. Ware and wife, Tada; sister, Kelli L. Waasdorp and husband, Joseph; and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved.
Terri owned and operated Rita’s Italian Ice. She always had a smile and kind and encouraging words for her customers and loved on all of her young employees just like they were her own children.
To her it was more than just a business, it was a ministry that allowed her to show God’s love to her customers and “her Rita’s kids”, which is what she liked to call her employees.
She touched so many people during her all too short lifetime.
Terri did not have a mean bone in her body and was one of the sweetest, kindest, and gentlest people God ever put on this earth.
The only time she might get agitated was if someone did something to, or said something about, one of her children or grandchildren, in which case all bets were off, and a ferocious side of her emerged as she came to their protection.
She exhibited the Christ-like quality of unconditional love when it came to her children and grandchildren.
Terri got her greatest joy out of taking care of her family and enjoyed nothing more than fixing a great big meal for the entire family on Sundays after church.
Family meant everything to her; and she, and her legacy, will live on through her children and grandchildren.
But the most important thing to Terri was her relationship with her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
Terri committed her life to Jesus at a young age and made it very clear to her children and grandchildren how important it was to her that they all come to have that same personal relationship with Him.
She was the steadying influence and loving example that helped all her children come to that decision.
And it wasn’t just her children.
She also succeeded in helping to lead a self-centered and wild young man into the same type of personal relationship she had with Jesus as well.
That now old man will be forever grateful that she loved him enough not to give up on him, and he is now secure in knowing he will one day have a home in heaven that he can share with her for eternity.
Friends will be received at Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur St., Cumberland, Sunday, May 23, 2021, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Memorial services will be conducted at Central Assembly of God Church on Monday, May 24, 2021, at 11 a.m. with Pastors Doug Seaman and Tim McGregor officiating.
The family will also receive friends one hour prior to services.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
I love you, Terri, and always will.