Friends describe Terri Grzebielski as ‘larger than life’

More than simply enjoying life, Terri Grzebielski was excited about it.

On her profile page for Moscow Family Medicine, where the 61-year-old mother of three practiced as a physician assistant, she wrote her family chose to live in Moscow because it was the perfect place to raise her family.

“My husband, Jerry, and I enjoy all of what the Palouse has to offer, including bicycling, kayaking and hiking,” she wrote.

She was also an original member of the Hot Flashes, a local 50s and 60s singing group. Terri’s friend Marilyn Beckett said she would typically run into her at any event where there was singing and dancing.

Grzebielski was killed Saturday at her home and was the first of three shooting fatalities across Moscow that day. Her son, 29-year-old John Lee, is currently in custody and is facing three murder charges in connection with the shootings.

“Terri was one of the sparkliest, most energetic, caring, beautiful, musical people the Palouse will ever see,” said her longtime friend and fellow lead singer, Donna Parks.

Energy is a word that continually comes up when friends and co-workers remember Grzebielski.

Jeff Greier, CEO of Moscow family Medicine, said he met Terri about seven years ago when she came back from a hiatus and he rehired her at the clinic.

Greier said he and Grzebielski’s co-workers at Moscow Family Medicine gathered Sunday night to simply spend time together and remember Terri.

“About 80 percent of the staff were able to make it,” Greier said. “We were just together. We all told stories about Terri. It seems like a cliché, but she was larger than life.”

Greier said an overwhelming theme throughout the stories told involved Grzebielski’s cheerful, excited zest for life.

“No one can remember her being sad or angry. All day long in the clinic taking care of her patients or out in the community with Jerry, she was truly excited to be alive,” he said.

In a 2001 Daily News story, Grzebielski described The Hot Flashes — her musical group with Parks, Lois Melina and Lori Gardes — as “The girl next door with a little attitude.”

“We’re just a product of a generation who grew up watching the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ and wishing we were back-up girls for Aretha Franklin. Fun is what it’s all about: entertaining people and helping them laugh,” she said.

Grzebielski is survived by her husband, Jerry, daughters Kasi and Shinai and son John Lee.

Shanon Quinn can be reached at (208) 883-4636, or by email to squinn@dnews.com.