Terry Pallari, a longtime supporter of and volunteer for Catholic Charities, died at home April 12. But she wanted the agency to get one last gift for a project she especially loved – Kenton Women’s Village.
Terry’s daughter, Barbara, sent the donation with a note for staff of the village, home to women who have experienced homelessness:
“Please convey our appreciation to all involved in that project.”
Pallari Note
Terry was born in San Francisco in 1928. She grew up in the Richmond district just four blocks away from her future husband, Bill Pallari, whom she married in 1946. They had four children together. In 1965, the family moved to Portland.
In the early 1970’s, Terry began working with Vietnamese refugees through St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Catholic Charities. For many years, she helped members of that community find housing, jobs, schooling opportunities and adjust to life in Oregon.
Her volunteer work at St. Rose evolved into a career as pastoral assistant, which she performed for 19 years. She visited the sick and elderly, worked with a young mother’s group, helped collect and distribute food and clothing, wrote the bulletin, and helped six different priests meet and get to know their parishioners.
Terry had six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She married Don Westom in 1999 and enjoyed his grand and great grandchildren as well. Don died in 2017.
Terry Pallari
When Catholic Charities staff spoke with Terry, they found her amiable and grateful for the call. She said that she gave because she admires Catholic Charities’ work and that the agency uses money efficiently. She cared about people who are homeless and children especially.