Teresa Wolchak

December 18, 1947 - August 4, 2018

Teresa Pagan Wolchak, 70, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Terry’s parents moved with her to NYC in 1960 where she quickly acclimated to the predominantly English speaking culture while remaining faithful to and proud of her Puerto Rican heritage. As a consequence, Terry was fluent in reading, writing and speaking both English and Spanish. As a teenager, firmly rooted in the Christian faith instilled in her by her parents since early childhood, Terry grew in fear and admonition of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Terry was well versed with the Scriptures and used that knowledge as the foundation of any advice or counsel sought by or offered to others. She graduated in 1966 from Walton High School in the Bronx before entering the workforce. Due to an ever joyful personality, Terry was popular with everyone she met. Among her passions was hosting and entertaining family and friends. Indeed family meant the world to her, most especially her previously deceased parents, Jaime Pagan and Juanita Carattini Pagan, as well as her late brother Jaime Pagan, Jr. This love of family would often prompt her to travel to Puerto Rico or California to visit with and maintain strong ties with her extended family. Terry was also a gifted singer who was given to singing solos or duets in churches, and in local choirs. This gift allowed her to be an integral member and featured soloist in a Christian youth band (“Acordes de Jubilo” - “Sounds of Joy”) back in the early to mid-70s, which ministered to churches, open air street services, and prisons throughout the New York City metropolitan area. In 1990, Terry met the late Pastor Jose R. Rivera, who would become her husband of 17 years. This is what brought she and her beloved daughter, Tanya to the Albany Area, where Terry served sacrificially in various capacities of ministries at New Life Assembly of God in East Greenbush, NY It wasn’t long before Terry had established a new group of intimate friends in the Capital Region, who were truly blessed to know her over the course of these past 28 years. Terry will always be remembered in love by her husband, Raymond Wolchak, children, grandchildren, extended family and an untold number friends across the country and her native Puerto Rico. “Well done, good and faithful servant!...Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23 A memorial service will be held in her honor on September 22, 2018 at 1pm with reception to follow at Calvary Assembly of God, 2813 Atlantic Ave, Stottville, NY 12172 In lieu in flowers contributions may be made in Terry’s honor to Calvary Assembly of God, P.O.Box 337, Stottville, NY 12172.