Bridget Teresa Connell

Bridget Teresa Connell, known to her family as Teresa and to others as Bridget, will be remembered as a warm and loving mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, and neighbor. She hosted hundreds of Sunday dinners and Christmas Eves, and everyone enjoyed her cooking. Even in her later years, nurses eagerly stepped up to assist with her treatments, and doctors always greeted her warmly.

Born on March 6, 1941, in Castleblayney, Ireland, Teresa experienced blackout curtains during World War II, citywide blackouts in the Bronx, and several other dark days. She moved to Montclair, New Jersey, to help raise her grandchildren when their parents were working, and she took their schooling as seriously as she did her own children (who are most grateful!). Later in life, she often traveled with her daughter and son-in-law, frequently sharing memories of the Grand Canyon, the Panama Canal, and the London theater, especially Phantom of the Opera. Through it all, she was resilient, optimistic, and genuinely funny.

Teresa's faith guided her daily routines, including attending Mass and praying the rosary each day. Her family can attest that her love was abundant, her resilience in facing life's challenges was inspiring, and her sense of humor was contagious. Preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, John and Alice; her sister Kathleen; and her brother John, she is survived by her children, Anne Marie, Margaret, and John; her son-in-law Steve; her grandchildren, Brendan, Ed, Catie, Jack, Tommy, and Arabella; and her granddaughter-in-law, Meidy.

Teresa especially loved animals, including the family’s many cats, dogs, and tortoises, but her favorite was Leo, her cat. He truly communicated with her, using special meows for hello, bedtime, and where’s my treat. He will greatly miss her.

While we will also miss Teresa's laughter and love, we find comfort in knowing she lived a full life, guided by her faith and surrounded by family. We invite you to share your memories and photos of Bridget Teresa on the memorial page to help keep her generous spirit and loving memory alive for generations to come.