Library receives donation in memory of Theresa Lancaster

The Theresa (Terry) Lancaster Collection is being established at the Portland District Library. Terry was a farm girl from Portland, who went to St. Pats.

Terry was one of ten children living on the farm with parents John and Estella Meyers. Surviving siblings are Marie, Rosie, Nick, Julie and Johnny.

Nearly every day after school, she went to the library and developed a love of reading. She graduated from MSU and had a 30-year teaching kids reading, mostly 2nd grade, in the Warren Woods Public Schools in suburban Detroit with a Master’s Degree in reading. She died on November 4th after a 24 year cancel battle. She was a voracious reader to the end. She favored Jack Carr, David Baldacci, Brad Thor type authors and crime thrillers and suspense novels.

Her collection will include these types of books, kids’ books, and Launch Pads to help kids learn to read.

Also, her son Colin, has published a book called Fed Up about the life of a hedge fund trader. His daughter (her granddaughter) is in negotiation to publish a book.

Interestingly, the last time Terry was in Portland, she wanted to visit the library.

Terry’s brothers, Nick and Johnny, still live in Portland on Looking Glass Avenue on property that originally was the family farm.

Pat Lancaster told the Beacon, “The family has also had a meeting at St Patrick Catholic school to further the reading program there in Terry’s name.”

Portland District Library Director Cory Gimmerick told the Beacon, “We always love to hear about people who used and loved our library, and for whom it had an impact.  My story--and the reason I became a librarian--is very similar to Terry's.  This donation will help us fill in gaps in our collection, and help us create a lifelong love of reading in all the children (like Terry) who are forming their opinions about the library. We are so grateful that the family thought of us as they celebrate Terry's life.”

Courtesy photo.