I don't know how to deal with the loss of Terry Pacheco. She and I and Frank and Scott and the Reeder clan were inseparable when I was in D.C. When Gayle died, Terry and Frank came to help me deal when I needed all the help I could get. We shared a love of reading; we loved modern folk music together and shared new finds with each other. We cruised together and Frank and I both got sick! We both smoked, and spent lots of time sharing nicotine and conversation.
Terry and Frank were members of ACB before I became active at the national level, but we were fast friends once we found each other. We shared being broadcasters on ACB Media; she was a guest on Tuesday Topics, and I was a guest on her show. She was not only an ACB member and board member; she was also an employee of ACB at a time when there were a lot fewer folks to get things done.
Terry cared for people, for ACB and for justice. At some point soon Topics will invite people to join us and remember Terry. For now, I just want to say how much I will miss that husky voice, that Boston accent and that amazing smoky laugh. Terry may have passed on, but she will never leave the memories of those who loved her! Frank and Scott and other members of Terry's family must know how much Terry will be missed! Lately Terry had to use a walker and was finding it harder to get around, but she still came to events when she could and spent time with those of us she cared about. Originals with principle can't be replaced. They can only be mourned and missed! Be at peace, Terry! We love you!
— Paul Edwards
When I think of Terry, I think of her theme song for VISAbilities, “Welcome In.” That was Terry, she was a friend to all. You may not always agree with each other, but she cared so much about ACB and each of our members. This is indeed a loss for ACB and her family and many friends.
— Janet Dickelman
Terry’s passing is such sad news, and I really don’t know what to say except I’m so sorry for all of us, but especially you, Penny, as I know the two of you were very close friends, and her family. I never met Scott, but I knew Frank, and he was as much fun as Terry was.
My first real memory of Terry was when she showed up at an ACB of New York convention shortly after she started working in the national office. Since she and I have been ACB members since the ‘70s, we often reminisced about things that happened “back in the day.” And I too loved the song she used to open her VISAbilities programs.
Terry, I know you’ve been suffering with health issues for the past several years, and I know how much you wanted to serve on the ACB Board of Directors for another term. But maybe you can guide us from up there, as Wendell Berry’s poem suggests. And I’ll think of you every time I eat a piece of Zelda’s fudge! (Those who participate in ACB’s Holiday Auction will know what I’m talking about!)
Rest in peace, Terry, and pray for all of us still here. We’ll see you again one day.
— Jean Mann
This is truly sad news and a loss to ACB! I met Terry in the late 1990s when I attended my first ACB convention. She was a real people person and a wealth of information. She was never too busy to answer questions or research the information just to be sure what she was sharing was correct. Terry was dedicated to ACB, and her voice will truly be missed! Sending condolences to Frank and the rest of the family and her many friends!
— Peggy Garrett
Terry's passion and commitment to ACB and its members were off the charts. As Janet said, you may not have always agreed with her, but she made you think about things that you might not otherwise have even considered. She will be missed.
— Jeff Thom
I am extremely shocked and saddened to hear this news. I have many fond memories of Terry, especially when she worked in the ACB national office dealing with membership issues and concerns, and she was a heck of an auctioneer back a decade and a half ago or so at the ACB of Maryland auctions held in conjunction with their state conventions before COVID hit. Rest in peace, Terry; we remember you fondly and will miss you terribly!
— John McCann
This news is rather heartbreaking. Terry was so passionate about ACB, and I enjoyed hearing her stories of other ACB members and leaders who have passed on before her. I am so thankful to have been a part of her VISAbilities program during the month of June to showcase 12 of our 2026 ACB scholarship winners. She was so supportive of ACB Next Generation during the early days, and continued to support our affiliate as much as possible.
— Amanda Selm
Terry was kind, funny, snarky, opinionated, service-oriented, and many other things – to the max. Peace and blessings to those who were much closer to her than I was.
— Peter Altschul
I had the opportunity to get to know Terry through our auction donation efforts and through VISAbilities, and I am grateful for those connections and conversations. It is clear from the many messages being shared just how many people Terry touched throughout her life and how much she meant to the ACB community. My thoughts and prayers are with Frank, Scott, her family, her many friends, and all those whose lives she impacted over the years. May the memories, stories, laughter, and friendships she leaves behind bring comfort in the days ahead.
— Jennifer Bazer
When I first started Sunday Edition, Terry was incredibly supportive. She was always an invaluable resource and was willing to have just about any conversation, particularly when it involved something she cared deeply about.
As a friend and an unofficial mentor, she was extraordinarily generous with her knowledge and her time, and maybe occasionally far too generous with her opinions. LOL. But that was Terry, and I wouldn’t have wanted her any other way.
It is almost impossible to imagine that a force like Terry is actually gone. This is a tremendous loss for our community. Friday nights will not be the same without the option of VISAbilities.
And I will be the one to say it. Board meetings won’t be the same without Terry holding leadership to account, speaking her truth, and occasionally treating everyone to one of her spontaneous history lessons.
Terry, thank you for the friendship. Thank you for the mentorship. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your passion, your voice, and yes, all those opinions.
— Anthony Corona
I only had a handful of conversations with Terry, but after each one I felt so lucky to have had it and so eager to connect with her again. The last time, late June or early July, began because she had a question for me, but I wound up getting some very significant advice from her. Because of that conversation, I came to convention for the first time in a long while. Thank you, Terry, for reminding me to be brave, and thank you for sharing yourself with so many of us. I am so thankful to have had that last conversation with Terry and hope I keep my resolve to connect with people, now rather than later, and to remind myself to keep front of mind that now is all we have for certain.
— Deborah Kendrick