Obituary of Terri Elias

Terri A. Elias (Vander Linden), a kind and generous woman passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on December 30, 2019 after a long illness. Terri was born in Ames, Iowa, attended school in Des Moines, Iowa graduating from Dowling Catholic 1973 and from Iowa State in business in 1977, where she was a ZTA. She married Don Elias, her life partner, whom she met in college. She and Don were entrepreneurs in business, which took them to Philadelphia until they settled in Atlanta.  After 30 years they retired to Redington Shores, Florida. 

Terri was proud of her accomplishments in the business world and there were many, however she took great pleasure in her family and friends.  Terri was quick to meet people and no one remained a stranger for long.  Terri was a great storyteller and a wonderful listener.  Terri was generous to many people listening to their individual stories and helping out many in any way she could.  She has 23 nieces and nephews, friends that she has met through the years; Braves baseball, Rally (an organization for children with cancer), the golf association she was a member, friends at the Atlantis Bahamas, and various philanthropic organizations in which she was active.

Terri loved playing cards, some slot machine action, soap operas, traveling, and watching her beloved Braves season after season. 

Her mother and father, Charles and Jeri Vander Linden and her nephew Nick Anderson, preceded Terri in death; we find comfort in knowing that she is with them again and at peace. Her ready smile and quick wit will be missed. She is survived by her husband, Don; six siblings, Nancy Vander Linden (Florida), Rick Vander Linden (Kathy) Michigan, Sandy Anderson (Iowa), John Vander Linden (Jack) Chicago, Bob Vander Linden (Carla) Iowa, Cheryl Wagner (Scott) Florida and 23 nieces and nephews.

A sunset beach Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 1, 2020 at the Double Tree Hotel in North Redington Beach, Florida.

Donations in Terri's honor can be made to the following two organizations:

 

Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation

Attn.: Ms. Claudette Carlan 

P.O. Box 48787

St. Petersburg, Florida 33743-8787

(863) 381-2034

ccarlan@cmocf.org

www.cmocf.org

EIN 33-1023477

 

Rally Foundation

Attn.: Kimberly Walther
Director of Development & Awareness  

5775 Glenridge Drive

Bldg B, Suite 370

Atlanta, Georgia 30328

(404) 847-1270

www.rallyfoundation.org

EIN 20-1950849

 

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