Terrence Patrick Cahill passed away at his home in Bremen, Georgia on March 14, 2024. He was 75 years old. Terry died peacefully, with his niece and nephew by his side.
“Darling, you were a very sick little baby shortly after you came into this world.” These words were written by Terry’s mom in his baby book. He was extremely jaundiced, needed blood transfusions, and was baptized at 4 days old due to the possibility that he may not survive. But survive he did, because God blessed Terry with a family like no other. Doctors recommended that Terry be placed in an institution, because there was “little hope” for his future. Thankfully his mom and dad ignored this advice, took Terry home, and worked tirelessly to provide him with every opportunity available to them. Terry was born in Dixon, Illinois, and spent his first few years there with the love and support of the Cahill and Dixon families. In March 1953 the Cahills made the painful decision to send Terry to the St. John’s Crippled Children’s School and Hospital, where there were specialists and therapists that would be able to help Terry reach his peak potential. Among this group was a hometown girl, speech therapist Donna Drew (later Warren), who remained a close friend until Terry’s death. Terry was at St. John’s until June 1958.
His siblings – John, Bill, Mary, Ed, and Bob – were never resentful of the extra attention given to their special needs brother. Indeed, they doted on Terry throughout his life. Three of the siblings worked in the airline industry, so Terry travelled all over the United States and Mary took him on a trip to Ireland, where he traced his family’s origins. Mary, Ed and Bob made sure that Terry, a major sports fan, attended games for all his favorite teams, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, The Miami Dolphins, and the Chicago Cubs.
His family also provided him with a strong spiritual foundation in the Roman Catholic Church. Terry was baptized, received his First Holy Communion, and was Confirmed at St. Patrick’s Church in Dixon. As an adult, Terry was an active member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Douglasville, GA, and joined the Knights of Columbus there. His faith in God and the Church never wavered.
To know Terry was to love him. He was full of joy and never resented his physical and cognitive limitations. Had you asked him, he would have said “What limitations?” It’s a fair question. For a boy who was never supposed to walk or talk, he left his naysayers in the proverbial dust. Terry was a hard worker and held several jobs throughout his life. His favorite job was at Publix Supermarket, where he was a local celebrity and retired after 10 years. He was an avid movie buff and could quote almost any movie from the 40s and 50s and tell you who every actor was. His ability to recall movie and sports trivia was truly epic. He loved animals and had numerous pets through the years. Terry’s beloved cat Cocoa was waiting for him in Heaven. With his final breath Terry said Cocoa’s name and followed him through the pearly gates of Heaven.
Terry Cahill lived life to the absolute fullest, he gave everything he 110%, and he loved everyone with his whole heart. He was full of gratitude for everything in his life. Terry’s life should serve as an inspiration to us all, for his is a life well lived. We honor Terry by living our lives in the same manner, LIVING, GIVING, and LOVING.
Terry Cahill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Patricia Cahill, and his brothers, John and Bill Cahill. He is survived by his sister, Mary Daniel, and brothers, Ed and Bob Cahill.
Terry’s life will be celebrated with a Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 612 Highland Ave. Dixon, IL 61021. This will be followed by interment at Oakwood Cemetery, 416 S. Dement Ave. Dixon, IL 61021. Services are tentatively planned for June 17, 2024. Please contact Bob or Ed Cahill for specific times. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a donation to the Sorin Society at the University of Notre Dame. Terry’s father graduated from Notre Dame in 1933 and lived in Sorin Hall on campus.
