Teressa “Terry” Dula Hartway, 71, passed away peacefully on November 5, surrounded by her loving family, her dog Niki, and her special caregivers at Hospice Family Care.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Bobby Lee Hartway; her sister, Sharon Dula Darty; her stepsons, Mike and Rob Hartway and their families; her uncle, Carl Calvin Smith of Tryon, NC; and numerous cousins in FL, NC, SC and TN. Terry was preceded in death by her parents. David Alton Dula and Kathryne Smith Dula in 2006 and 2010, respectively.
Terry worked in healthcare and joined a long line of five Registered Nurses in her family. She knew at an early age she wanted to become a nurse and dedicated her career, spanning 31 years, to nursing. She attended Calhoun Community College, graduating in 1974. She held several leadership positions in nursing including Nurse Manager and House Administrative Supervisor at Medical Center (later Humana Hospital). In 1992 she joined the nursing staff at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital as a staff nurse. While at HealthSouth she specialized in caring for patients with head injuries and was later promoted to Nurse Manager. As Terry progressed in leadership positions, she took a special interest in mentoring student nurses. At the end of her career, one of the most rewarding positions she held at HealthSouth was Case Manager. She loved her work supporting patients as they transitioned from rehabilitation to returning home.
Terry enjoyed entertaining at home, gardening, and home decorating, especially at Christmas. She spent her vacations camping at Cades Cove, enjoying Destin beach trips, skiing in the Rockies, and planning annual cousins’ weekends.
Terry’s last days were spent at Huntsville Hospital’s beautiful, inpatient Hospice Family Care facility. These compassionate members of staff made it possible for Terry’s family and friends to just be with her: Deb Merck, RN, Sandi Goode, RN, Jesse Franklin, RN, Tonya Jones-Statham, RN, Melissa Baldwin, and Melissa Manning, both Patient Care Techs, and Tina Welchel, Social Worker.
No funeral services will be held. Terry’s remains will be interred at Cades Cove.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and designated for Hospice Family Care. Gifts may be made online at huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org, by phone (256)265-8077, or by mail at 801 Clinton Avenue East, Huntsville, AL 35801.
