"Five foot two, eyes of blue

But oh, what those five foot could do…"

Theresa McFadden Ertel, affectionately known as Terry, loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, at the age of 83 at her home in Newtown Square, PA.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, on May 17, 1941, she was the cherished daughter of the late Louis and Eleanor Clair McFadden and grew up alongside her six siblings: Louis, Peggy, Tommy, Marie Clair, twin sister Joanne and Billy.

Terry graduated from Saint Mary's Academy in 1959 and later attended Chestnut Hill College, setting the foundation for her remarkable career as a beloved teacher at The Haverford School for 25 years. At Haverford, Terry's nurturing spirit touched the lives of hundreds of young boys. She was a firm believer in the "Golden Rule" and that "if you think you can, you can." She instilled those beliefs in generations of students at Haverford. Her secret candy drawer and harsh "1 minute off recess" punishments made her a fixture on most students' favorite teacher list! The admiration was mutual, as Terry loved being a part of the Haverford School community.

Terry met William (Bill) Ertel in 1965 at The Tavern in Bala Cynwyd. Despite advice from a mutual friend that Bill was "much too shy for her" and a nearly failed first date at The Dirty Bird in Avalon, they married in 1967 and shared 57 years of marriage filled with love and laughter. Terry cherished her life with Bill and her five kids. She gave new meaning to the word unconditional. Her kids' lives and schedules became her own. She could be at a baseball game, lacrosse game, school event and CCD pick-up all after a day of teaching! Terry was an ardent supporter of her kids' sporting adventures, in the stands at every event, cheering louder than anyone, ready to confront any fan foolish enough to criticize one of her kids within earshot. There are rumors she had to be held back from storming the court on more than one occasion. Terry was also the life of the party wherever she went, ready to talk to ANYONE about ANYTHING, often to her kids' chagrin (come on mom, let's go!). Speaking of parties, look out if anyone questioned her ability to do a split, at any age! Aunt Terry to countless of her kids' friends, she treasured the time spent with her family, friends and extended family, especially if that time was spent at her shore house in Ocean City, NJ!

Terry is survived by her devoted husband, Bill; her five children, William Ertel Jr., Lindsey Ertel Wolfington, M. Scott Ertel (Lauren), Brian Ertel (Beth), and Kevin Ertel (Mary Beth); and her ten grandchildren whom she adored: Sydney Theresa, Luke, Courtney, Matthew, Lilly, Jack, Avery, Ryan, Sean and Sarah. The family would like to acknowledge the loving care provided by son Bill that allowed Terry to remain comfortably in her home until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her father Louis McFadden, mother Eleanor Clair McFadden, and brothers Louis and Thomas McFadden.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones for a Visitation at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, at Saint John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Ln., Bryn Mawr, PA. Interment will be private at a later date.

Terry's legacy of unconditional love, education, and family will live on through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire all of us.