READ, Theresa A. (Terry)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, January 12, 2013 Theresa A. "Terry" Read of Chandler, Ariz., passed away on Jan. 8, 2013, at Hospice of the West - Copper Cottage in Mesa, Ariz. She was born in Elizabeth, N.J., on May 14, 1925, to Patrick and Harriet (Chesney) Dalia. Terry graduated from Batten High School and worked for Merck & Co. After marriage to Robert L. "Bob" Read and relocation to Phoenix in 1954, Terry was a stay-at-home mom, and enjoyed bowling and occasional weekend fishing and hunting. In the mid '60s, she and Bob opened and ran the successful Bob Read's Top Hat Restaurant until it closed in 1974. In 1979, Terry began working for the State of Arizona, starting in clerical pool, advancing her way to her final position with the Department of Health, specifically Arizona State Hospital, from which she retired in 1992. It was said of her, "Your exceptional organizational abilities are only matched by your warm concern for others." She was very proud to have been a part of Arizona's vital and challenging government system. Terry is survived by daughter Marilyn Read of Chandler; son and daughter-in law Bob and Cheryl Read of Chandler and their daughter Kendra Read of Gilbert; and brother Patrick Dalia, who currently resides in Latvia. She is predeceased by former husband Bob Read, who died in 2009 in Prescott, Ariz. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at Queen of Heaven Mortuary Chapel, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa. A prayer service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at Queen of Heaven Mortuary Chapel with burial to follow at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The El Zaribah Shrine Children's Travel Fund, 552 North 40th St. Phoenix, AZ 85008. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Mortuary, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ 85204, (480) 892-3729. Information provided by survivors.