Mary Theresa “Terri” Mulligan, 79, died at home in Dickson, TN, on January 27, 2026.
Terri was born February 7, 1946, in Los Angeles, CA, to the late Joseph Emmett Mulligan and Marian Elizabeth Snyder Mulligan. The family moved from California to Falls Church, VA, when Terri was young, and she graduated from Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, VA.
Terri attended Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, and found work as a researcher for the Maryland Department of Health. At the same time, she began teaching riding lessons at Circle N Stables, where she merged her loves for working with horses and teaching children. Eventually, Terri quit her research position and devoted herself to working at the stables full time and also competing in Dressage.
Terri stayed at the stables for 25 years, until new owners took over. And then, once again, she embarked on a new career, this time as an elementary school teacher. Terri adored her students and was determined to help them become better thinkers and communicators. After several years, Terri became frustrated by the bureaucracy of public education and decided to take a much-deserved retirement, moving to Dickson, TN, to be near family.
In this new phase of her life, Terri immersed herself in the natural world that she had always loved by propagating trees and plants for family and friends, creating a research project for herself cataloguing all the different types of turtles on her property, and having many pets for whom she cared deeply. Terri was a beloved member of the St. Christopher Catholic Church community, and she attended daily Mass as often as possible. She continued working with children through teaching Sunday School and helping to establish the parish library. For many years, Terri was also an active member of Dickson County Right to Life.
Surviving are her siblings, sister, Kathleen Mulligan Tucker and her husband, James Tucker, sister, Margaret Mulligan Cavallaro, and brother, Robert Mulligan; nephews, Kenneth and Joseph Tucker; nieces, Jennipher Tucker, Michaela Cavallaro, Rebecca Leigh, Sarah Tucker, and Erin Hill; several extended family members; and many dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, February 13, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; the Rosary and Vigil will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home, 214 North Main Street, Dickson, TN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 14, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 713 West College Street, Dickson, TN.