Terry Beltemacchi

Last Updated on August 25, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

Terry Beltemacchi, 80, departed from this world and was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on May 15, 2026 after passing peacefully at her residence in Watertown, WI.

Terry hit the stage in Chicago on February 21, 1946, the youngest of 4 children born to George Beltemacchi and Margaret Staak. Terry was preceded in death by her parents, brother Peter Beltemacchi (Charmaine Beltemacchi, Ann Barry) and son Jason Powell. She is survived by sisters Susan Gallagher (Michael) & Ann Haverstock (Tom), son Kirk Powell, daughter in law Carol Powell, grandsons Jason Powell & Dennis Wippo, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

After graduating Morgan Park High School in 1964, Terry began work at the US Steel South Works. It was there she met her future husband, Jim Powell of South Bend, IN.  After welcoming their son Kirk in 1966, they moved to the Roseland neighborhood in Chicago. In 1971, they established their longtime residence in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood. Terry would go on to live in that same house at 108th & Bell for nearly 50 years.

Anyone who knew Terry also knew she was a master calligrapher, and spent many years hand lettering mass cards, certificates, invitations, and practically anything else one could put a pen to. She was very active in the Episcopal Church of the Mediator, serving on the Vestry, Altar Guild, and was a member of the Alto section of the choir. Terry was famous for the annual spaghetti dinners she would host at the church, bringing together people and food for celebration and camaraderie. She and Jim also headed up the church youth group, forging many friendships that lasted until her final day.

It is rumored that Terry attended every one of her son’s Little League games between 1974 and 1983, being a vocal and welcome fixture at Kennedy Park. ‘Mrs. Powell’ was a favorite of Kirk’s classmates and teammates through the years and was even called ‘Ma’ by a select few.

A lover of music, art, and cooking, her diverse interests enabled her to form friendships across a wide spectrum of folks. A noted green thumb, her plants decorated her space with class and pizzazz. Her annual February Bash was legendary, bringing together scores of friends and family for a much needed mid-winter pick me up.

In short, Terry made an outsize impression on everyone she touched. She is already sorely missed and will leave a void for many years.

We bid adieu to Terry on Saturday, May 30 from 12pm – 4pm:

Donellan Funeral Home

10525 S. Western Ave.

Chicago, IL  60643

Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1800 Grant street Logansport, Indiana. Graveside Service for Terry will be Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to PBS, NPR, the American Heart Association, Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, or a favorite charity of your own.

Condolences can be shared at https://www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.