Elizabeth "Libbet" Ford Paullin Terrell

Elizabeth “Libbet” Ford Paullin Terrell, 76, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on March 30, 2024, at Munson Hospice House surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 17, 1947, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Edward and Dorothea (Ford) Paullin Jr. She grew up in Williamsville, New York, until attending Middlebury College in Vermont and earning a B.A. from Michigan State University. Libbet had a passion for learning that spanned her entire life. She pursued her love for education and earned a master's degree from Central Michigan University in education, becoming a dedicated secondary education social studies teacher and earning highly qualified certification from the Michigan Department of Education. She found particular joy in teaching writing and United States history, and enjoyed her many years of teaching at Traverse City East Middle School, as well as later years at Traverse City Central High School. She specialized in working with students with difficulties, and found great joy when former students returned to see her years later with stories of their personal successes. Libbet left a lasting impact on her students beyond her retirement in 2010. Outside of the classroom, Libbet had a multitude of interests. She immersed herself in genealogy, cooking, traveling, sailing, skiing, and various craft projects. Her craftsmanship was showcased at numerous craft fairs where she sold her handmade creations. She cherished her involvement in AAUW, MEA, book clubs, the Grand Traverse Yacht Club, and found fulfillment in supporting women’s literacy and dog rescues. Libbet was proud of her Irish heritage, which she discovered through her genealogy research. She enjoyed several trips to Ireland to visit her reconnected family. Whenever she traveled, Libbet was a promoter for Traverse City, telling everyone she met how lucky she was to live in such a beautiful place. She was also a proud election worker, committed to ensuring the smooth operation of elections. She leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to her community. Libbet will be remembered fondly for her zest for life, her love of learning, and her love for her family, friends, and community. Many of the people who enjoyed spending time with her talked about how much fun she was. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her three children, Katherine “Katie” Horvath, Julie (Jayson) Horvath, and Christopher “Chris” Horvath, three grandchildren, Elayna Vyas, Leaf Spaulding and Jinta Spaulding, her siblings, Peter Paullin, Patricia “Patsy” Dinsmore along with many other loving family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Will Dinsmore, and sister-in-law Ann Paullin. A gathering will be held at the Grand Traverse Yacht Club on Sunday, April 28 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Grand Traverse Yacht Club Foundation or the Scholarship Fund at the Local AAUW. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Elizabeth "Libbet" Ford Paullin Terrell

June 17, 1947 - March 30, 2024