Lasting Memories

Terry Morrow Guice
Jan. 27, 1946-Feb. 8, 2025
Austin, Texas
Submitted by Elizabeth Guice

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and long-time resident of Palo Alto, California, Lelia “Terry” Morrow Guice was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away on February 8, 2025, in Austin, Texas - a place that she called home in recent years so that she could be close to her devoted daughter, Elizabeth.

Born on January 27, 1946, Terry was the oldest child of Lelia Terry Morrow and Dr. Robert Prosser Morrow, Jr. She attended the Louise S. McGehee School and began her college years at Louisiana State University before transferring to the University of Georgia, where she majored in Elementary Education and began her decades of cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs. She married after graduation and later divorced before moving to California with Elizabeth in the late 1970s. Terry began teaching at Escondido Elementary School soon thereafter and taught multiple grade levels until her retirement in 2019. Students in her class were treated to monthly field trips such as visits to the California missions, whale watching off the coast in Monterey, and overnight experiences to Coloma where they learned about the history of their state by stepping back in time to the beginning of the Gold Rush. Determined to share the traditions and joy of Mardi Gras with her students each year, she would order a King Cake directly from New Orleans and dress in yellow, green, and purple, ready to throw beads and celebrate on Fat Tuesday. As a colleague and teacher, Terry was supportive, thoughtful, and meticulous about details. Whenever colleagues needed help, she was the first to offer her time and energy.

While Terry loved California, her real ‘happy place’ was on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee at Camp Monterey. She grew up going to camp there and introduced Elizabeth to this special place when she was old enough to become a camper. After her first summer at camp, Elizabeth declared her love for it. Sensing that Camp Monterey would become a lifelong source of friendship and family for her daughter, Terry became a permanent fixture on the senior staff — to help cover the cost and ensure Elizabeth could return year after year. When Elizabeth eventually ‘graduated’ from camp, Terry continued as a senior staff member because she thought it was a wonderful way to spend the summer. All told, Terry spent nearly 45 summers at Camp Monterey! In later years, she ran the swimming dock, inspiring multiple generations of campers to feel confident in the water and love the lake as she did. She mentored girls of all ages and helped preserve camp traditions through her fun-loving spirit and deep loyalty.

Terry delighted in writing and sending greeting cards - with stamps carefully selected for each occasion - so that friends and family felt remembered and celebrated. Her beloved light blue VW Beetle Convertible symbolized her adventurous spirit, but when she was at home, you could find her reading a book or catching up on the news. With an incredible talent for gift-giving, Terry always found just the right present…even if it wasn’t what you thought or knew you needed or wanted! And the same could be said for her love of finding just the right pair of stylish shoes!

She became the "activity queen" in her assisted living communities, enthusiastically participating in bingo games, book club, happy hours, outings, exercise and art classes, and more. If it was on the schedule, Terry was there having fun and bonding with other residents and staff members! Although she lived in Austin for only a short while, it is no surprise to anyone who knew her that she quickly began to weave a “net” of friendships in her new city. Terry learned a secret from her much-loved mother that she passed on to her own daughter - we need nets of friends that we bounce off of in moments of levity and are caught and supported by in moments of need. Terry’s net was strong and wide and if you were part of it, you knew how much she loved and appreciated you.

Terry’s moxie and resilience helped her survive decades of medical challenges - something others were in awe of but that she bravely took in stride. Above all else, she was a devoted mother to her daughter Elizabeth, who was by her side until the end, as were her brother Robert Prosser Morrow III and Elizabeth’s partner Slade Dickson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Menge Morrow; nieces Sarah Gates Morrow and Logan Morrow Macnee; and many dear friends far and wide. She was predeceased by her parents Dr. Robert Prosser Morrow Jr. and Lelia Terry Morrow and her nephew Robert Prosser Morrow IV.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all of her caregivers over the years and most recently the caregivers at Brookdale Beckett Meadows and The Reserve at Lake Austin for their kindness and support during Terry’s final years. Special thanks also go to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at St. David's South Austin Medical Center who provided compassionate care in her last days.

Services will be held at a later date. If you would like to honor Terry’s legacy, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Austin Pets Alive! (in honor of Terry’s best beagle Fang) online at donate.austinpetsalive.org; the Dollie S. Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund in support of Camp Monterey campers by sending a check to Camp Monterey, 2636 Muddy Pond Road, Monterey, TN 38574; or the Louise S. McGehee School by sending a check to 2343 Prytania St., New Orleans, LA 70130 or by making a gift online at https://www.mcgeheeschool.com/give/make-a-gift.