Tim and Terri Bridenbecker were both looking to cut down on long commutes from Liverpool - his to the Rochester area and hers to the Fingerlakes Mall in Aurelius. They found an apartment in Auburn.

That was 1985, and it was the start of a love affair with Cayuga County.

“It is an absolutely beautiful place to raise a family - she would say that all the time,” Tim said on Monday afternoon, a day after Terri - the executive director of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce - died at the age of 47.

The phone was ringing constantly Monday at the Bridenbeckers' Owasco home with calls from people expressing their sympathy and sharing their stories about Terri.

For Tim, who now owns a pair of local coffee shops called The Riverbend, the outpouring was touching but not necessarily surprising because he knew how Terri's hard work and caring personality made an impact on the community.

“Terri was incredibly loved because she loved incredibly,” he said.

The couple's two children - one a recent college graduate and the other a college senior - and their large extended families have gathered for services that are planned later this week. Calling hours are set for 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Farrell's Funeral Service Inc., 84 South St., Auburn. The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at St. James Episcopal Church on Genesee Street in Skaneateles.

Tim said chamber members, staff and directors have been particularly supportive. The family intends to ask that memorial contributions be made to help support a couple of chamber programs, the Leadership Cayuga class and the IGNITE group for young professionals.

Leadership Cayuga will continue again this year. An opening reception planned for Wednesday night, though, has been canceled.

In addition to her work at the chamber, Tim said, Terri was always busy serving on numerous local community boards.

“I can't begin to remember all of them,” Tim said. “Terri loved this community tremendously, and it showed in the amount of work she did.”

Her death prompted an official statement from Auburn Mayor Michael Quill.

“The news of Terri Bridenbecker's passing is heartbreaking to all that knew her,” he said. “Terri's contributions, leadership and talent have been a great asset to our community. She was an easy person to talk with and a great lady to work with.

“On behalf of the city of Auburn, our thoughts and prayers are with Terri's family, friends and coworkers during this very difficult time.”