On Tuesday, October 8th, the Mill Basin Civic Association (MBCA) held their first meeting of the season, yet came together with heavy hearts as they addressed the recent health crisis of board member Terri Cadet-Donald, who tragically passed away two days later on October 10th. The heartbreaking news of Terri’s serious illness dominated the discussion, but the civic expressed that it would be her will to continue on with the meeting, held at Mary Queen of Heaven Church. It was learned that she had suffered a brain aneurysm and was in intensive care at the time of the meeting. Her sad, untimely passing leaves an immense void in the community she so deeply loved.
MBCA President Paul Curiale began with a tribute to Terri, leaving an empty chair in her honor. “Terri was always present at each and every meeting, a pillar of our community,” Curiale shared. He spoke about the profound shock and sadness they all felt and urged everyone to keep praying for Terri and her family. “Her heart was in everything she did for Mill Basin, and we need to carry her legacy forward,” he said.
Terri’s influence extended far beyond the civic. She was a mentor, a teacher and an advocate for children, leading 18 after-school Millennium Development programs, teaching Sunday school at Mary Queen of Heaven and serving as vice president of the 63rd Precinct Community Council. “She knew every child’s name in our programs and made them feel special,” Curiale noted.
Assemblywoman Jaime Williams also paid her respects during the meeting. Having visited Terri in the hospital just days earlier, she expressed deep sorrow for her condition. “Terri’s heart was in every act of service she performed,” Williams said. “She was a force for good in this community, and her courage in sharing her battle with sickle cell disease last year moved us all. We must continue to pray for her family as they face this tremendous tragedy.”
Following Terri’s passing on October 10th, Williams issued a heartfelt statement: “Words can barely express the loss of our dear friend Terri Cadet-Donald. To know Terri was to know that her heart and soul were always focused on making a difference, and that’s exactly what she did—whether it was for our community or the families at Mary Queen of Heaven. My deepest condolences to the Cadet-Donald family during this time.”
During the meeting, Sister Mary from Mary Queen of Heaven led the group in prayer for Terri, offering a moment of spiritual reflection and support for her loved ones.
State Senator Roxanne Persaud later expressed her grief after learning of Terri’s passing. “It’s hard to believe she’s gone,” Persaud said. “Her energy, her smile, her leadership—they will stay with us forever. Terri made such a difference in so many lives. Her memory will be a blessing to us all.”
Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse echoed the sentiments, expressing her grief and admiration for Terri’s tireless efforts. “Terri’s impact on our district is immeasurable, working passionately to better the lives of those around her,” Narcisse said. “Her courage and her heart for our community will always be remembered.”
Christina Caputo, a fellow member of the MBCA, spoke about the immense impact Terri had on the community. “Terri was everywhere—whether it was in the civic, at the church or helping with local events. Just this past Tuesday, we prayed so hard for her at our meeting. It’s hard to imagine her not with us anymore,” Caputo said.
The MBCA also released an official statement, reflecting on the loss of their beloved board member: “We are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and civic board member Terri Cadet-Donald. Her dedication to Mill Basin touched every corner of our neighborhood—from the children she mentored to the civic causes she championed. Please keep her family in your prayers during this difficult time.”
Before closing the meeting, Curiale reminded attendees to honor Terri’s legacy by donating to the Mary Queen of Heaven food pantry, which she supported for years. He also encouraged attendees to donate blood in her memory, as Terri’s advocacy for blood donations was closely linked to her life with sickle cell disease.
The next meeting of the Mill Basin Civic Association will be held on Tuesday, November 12th, at Mary Queen of Heaven, 1395 East 56th Street, in the multi-purpose room. Terri Cadet Donald’s contributions to the community will continue to be celebrated, as her spirit lives on through the many lives she touched. R.I.P.
Services will held for Terri Cadet-Donald as follows:
Wake: Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Andrew Torregrossa & Sons, 2265 Flatbush Avenue.
Funeral Services: Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10 a.m., Mary Queen of Heaven Church, 1395 East 56th Street.
Final Resting Place: Cypress Hills Cemetery, 833 Jamaica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208
