Maria "Terry" Heyward

Maria T. “Terry” Heyward, age 76, a resident of Chelmsford, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

She was born in Cambridge on June 25, 1948, a daughter of the late Robert N. and Audrey T. (Fitzgerald) Heyward.  She was educated in the Cambridge school systems and was a graduate of Cambridge High and Latin School.  She then attended college where she received an associate’s degree.

Maria was employed for many years at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  There she worked for Emilio Bizzi M.D Ph.D (Mcgovern Institute for Brain research) She was his administrative assistant.

For those who knew Maria understood her no-nonsense, at times, uncompromising personality. She was as strong, smart, independent woman that worked hard for everything she earned in life. For those that really knew Maria realized she did have a great heart and a zest for life.

Maria was an animal lover and rescuer, she often “rehomed” animals in need to her sister Barbara’s house to the delight of her nieces and nephews.  She had a passion for travel, always looking for a companion to go along with her.  Whether it was when she took her young niece Marie to Mexico, because she insisted “I am the favorite aunt”, or the times she and her best friend Janice had adventures together.  No matter where she was or who she was with she would have a book in her hands as she had a fondness for reading and wanted others too as well. Offering to loan out her books, as she had quite an extensive library.

Maria had other talents as well.  In her youth while working at MIT during the day, she would teach belly dancing and aerobic classes at a studio in Cambridge in the evenings.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Loder, several nieces and nephews and her dear friend Janice Ahern.  She was also the sister of the late Robert, Richard, and Philip Heyward and Winifred Kouroyen.

Maria also had a stepdaughter, Joanne Loder, that she cared for deeply.

Her sister Barbara would like to thank Janice Ahern and Marie Burns who have dedicated many hours and have made several sacrifices in the past two-three years spending time with and caring for Maria in her time of need as her health had declined. 

A big thank you to the staff at Benchmark Senior Living at Chelmsford Crossings.  The staff is top notch, and everyone treated her wonderfully. They made it her home.

Relatives and friends will be received on Monday, December 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the TYNGSBOROUGH FUNERAL HOME 4 Cassaway Drive, Tyngsborough.  A prayer service will take place immediately following at 6 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  Those wishing may make a donation in her memory to the Lowell Humane Society, 951 Broadway St, Lowell, MA 01854.    

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